As a Wal-Mart greeter, Marnie Bigelow meets everyone at the door with a smile - it’s her job. But that smile extends far beyond the doors of Wal-Mart and has touched the lives of many kids at ChildServe.
Marnie started volunteering at the Ames ChildServe Center about six years ago. “She always comes with a smile and is willing to do what is asked,” says Julie Remsburg, skill development specialist. “It doesn’t take long for Marnie to warm up to the children. I know many kids that look forward to her visits. I can sense the excitement.”
“Getting to be with the kids and see them have fun is the most rewarding part of volunteering,” Marnie says. “I have seen the growth in many of them over time. I believe that I bring happiness to the kids when I come.”
Marnie brings more than just her smile when traveling from work to ChildServe. Thanks to Wal-Mart’s corporate giving program, she is able to earn a monetary donation as well. Twice a year, ChildServe turns in a tracking sheet that Marnie helps complete. As long as a minimum time requirement is met, Wal-Mart will make a donation of up to $500 a year. Marnie also helps decide how it should be used. In the past, her earned donations have been used to throw pizza and ice cream parties for SCL groups, to purchase items for the respite center, and even to provide a special adaptive stroller for the childcare center.
Just like her donations, Marnie’s volunteer hours have been spent in a variety of ways. From cooking, bowling, and swimming, to helping with Saturday Outgoers events and Camp ChildServe, she is always willing to lend a hand. Many families and staff members have gotten to know Marnie, and when shopping at Wal-Mart they’re sure to first look for her. “They can sense the love she has for them,” says Remsburg.
When it comes to volunteering, Marnie’s advice is simple- just go for it! “ChildServe is very flexible with availability of volunteer hours. They have a wide range of places and the kids really enjoy the positive atmosphere that volunteers can bring.”
Corporate Volunteer Programs Offer Opportunity to Give Time and Money
When an associate volunteers, Wal-Mart makes charitable contributions to their chosen organizations on the associate’s behalf. While we often don’t hear about these gifts, programs like Wal-Mart’s are actually quite common. Corporations across the nation offer a variety of giving programs to encourage their associates to volunteer. Check with your workplace to learn more about the types of giving programs they offer. You can make a difference!
Volunteer Spotlight
