About Linda – Q&A
via www.sun-sentenial.com
What Organization do you serve?
The Spirit of Giving Network, based in Boca Raton, unites more than 60 nonprofits in Palm Beach County with a focus on children and families. Some of their projects include holiday and back-to-school drives, community volunteer training and a nonprofit wish list.
How long have you been volunteering there?
Eight years.
Why do you volunteer?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me that it is important to give back to the community you live in, and I have always followed this mantra in my life.
Why did you choose this organization?
Spirit of Giving is unlike other organizations as it is an umbrella of 60-plus local charities. We try not to duplicate efforts, and therefore we do things on a larger scale and greater impact than most organizations.
Describe your volunteer role.
I currently sit on the board of directors as the secretary. I am also a past president on the board. I help write all of our grants, [and] I am coordinating the Back to School Bash with an amazing committee of volunteers. I help work on the PR, I work to find new board members, I help to spread the word about SOG and our mission and vision, and I am working to streamline our policies and procedures and put them into place.
What are your goals when you volunteer?
To make sure I change someone’s life.
What challenges have you faced?
Duplication of efforts. To me, this is the biggest issue and one that Spirit of Giving works to change. I think there are a lot of organizations working to provide the same goals. When we all work together, we can make bigger changes in our community.
What does your organization need?
We are currently fundraising for our Back to School Bash. We embrace the entire community and provide school supplies for over 4,000 children. But we do not just hand them to the kids; we have them come in and “shop” for their supplies. This gives them ownership in what they receive. The day is really cool and you, as a volunteer, get a hands-on experience. The kids have the ability to choose their backpack, their supplies, a new pair of shoes provided and uniform shirts. It is just an incredibly moving day.
Are any special events coming up?
Boca Bowl 2015. Last year we partnered with ESPN and were able to provide over 8,000 tickets to underprivileged youth in our community to attend this college football event. It was amazing. The game this year will be on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at FAU Stadium, and it is shown live on ESPN.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I believe our community would be a better place if everyone gave back to their community. Remember, it can be time, talent or treasure, but do something. We all live here together, and together we can make it a better place to be.
For more information, visit Spiritofgivingnetwork.com or call 561-385-0144.
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