Pause Gives Back
Giving back to local organizations can show up in a variety of different ways… donating event materials, contributing monetary gifts and even volunteering time. Pause knows first hand the importance of volunteering time as our events wouldn’t be impossible to host without the help of dedicated volunteers!
This summer, our staff volunteered with Lakota Local School District at Countryside Village as they provided meals to kids free of charge, regardless of income. Along with helping to serve lunch and getting to know the kiddos, our staff also brought books to share with the kids as part of our Pause Gives Back initiative!
Not surprisingly, our staff left with more than they came with. Here is what they had to say about their experience!
“My mission was to go and shower some love on these kiddos. I loved that we were taking books to them that they could have for themselves. It not only promotes reading which is so good for them, but it also lets them be excited to get to pick something out just for themselves. It was so much fun seeing their faces light up when they realized they can pick out books and take them home without having to return them. It was like Christmas. For the kids that were on the bus loading for school when we arrived, we encouraged the parents to pick some books out for those kiddos so they didn't miss out. It was so nice seeing the kiddos eating their lunch and opening their books. Filled my heart.
… if we can spend some time with them and let them know they are "seen" and "cared about" it can go a long way. I think we can do great things together as a community. It's also important to see what else is going on in our community that we might not see otherwise. You can't help what you are unaware needs help.” - Amy Rednour, Pause Systems Administrator
Taylor Giltner, our Director of Unlimited says, “As a former teacher, I realized how important and critical the meals are to children. Food insecurity is real, is all around us, and impacts more people than we realize. One hour is simple to share in order to make sure an entire neighborhood of children receives lunch and the proper nutrition they need as children to grow.
We were also blessed to have a surplus of books donated that we were able to bring with us and give away for free to encourage the children to continue reading over the summer. In addition, the leftover books are going back into the community throughout the month alongside other volunteers. A small amount of time just orchestrating that and organizing the books, will make a lasting impact in the Countryside Village Community.”
We are the recipients of such generosity all year long as people engage in our program and events. Pause Gives Back allows us to spread the love we are so freely given. It’s truly a privilege to be out in our community to hear people’s stories and to experience life with them. We can’t wait to do it again!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
