Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of ICS, making it possible for the organization to serve more than 50,000 Pima County residents each year. They support every program and service at ICS, along with daily operations and facilities.
The benefits of volunteering are huge for the individuals whose lives are changed and the community that is strengthened as a result, but they can be even greater for the volunteer. Here are 10 benefits of finding time to serve.
1. PURPOSE Volunteers become part of something greater than themselves. If you’re retired or an empty nester, unexpectedly unemployed, in a "boring" job, or have lost a loved one, helping others can give your life new meaning.
2. ACTIVITY It gets people up, out, and moving. Some positions, like working in a food bank or community garden, can even provide a workout that doesn't feel like a workout.
3. PHYSICAL HEALTH Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering the health of participants. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.
4. MENTAL HEALTH Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine Research also has shown that it also leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
5. SELF-CONFIDENCE It can provide a healthy boost to self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment, pride, and identity.
6. LEARNING Volunteer training and service teaches valuable skills and uses talents and abilities in new ways.
7. CAREER ADVANCEMENT While gaining skills and experience to put on your resume, you might also meet people while volunteering who can become your mentors or at least a part of your professional social network.
8. RELATIONSHIPS Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to Tucson. It puts you in contact with other who have similar interests and values.
9. COMMUNITY It strengthens knowledge of and ties to the community. Volunteering also broadens your support network.
10. FUN & FULFILLMENT Volunteering provides opportunities to explore interests, passions, and hobbies, to participate in community events, and to tackle interesting challenges with creative problem solving.
CONNECT WITH PURPOSEFUL VOLUNTEERING! See the possibilities at icstucson.org/volunteer-job-descriptions
IN THEIR WORDS
Don't take our word for it—some of our volunteers share how they benefit from their service:
“Driving the town to help people has been so much fun, discovering the nooks and crannies of our city.”
John W., volunteer since 2015
“ICS continues to be a beacon of help in our community. I am proud and blessed to have been a part of it over these many years.”
Susan L., volunteer since 1985
"Always heard this, but I have experienced it myself and now say the same thing: I get more out of volunteering than the people I give to."
Dick B., volunteer since 1997
"I volunteer because it gets me out to meet people. I make new connections and friends while I help others."
Art A., volunteer since 2009
“I love all the people I give rides to… they are all so unique and special. I enjoy the one-on-one time with people and getting to know them.”
Susan E., volunteer since 2021
“I get to serve people every day in a meaningful way. I am being God’s hand to help them get what they need.”
Toni H., volunteer since 2019
“My theory of life is that you are put here to meet people and learn from them. Everyone has a story.”
Vincent A., volunteer since 2018
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VOLUNTEERS
MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES
Memorials and gifts of honor are a special way to remember friends and loved ones while making a tax-deductible donation to ICS. These gifts were received January 1–June 30, 2023.
IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY
Kat Ahrens, Ms. MaryAnn Ahrens
Lolly Almquist, Barry & Susan Bedrick
Stephen Andre, Ray & Sandra Brisbine
Nathlie Badian, Anonymous
Joe Barraza, Ms. Helen Barraza
Jerry Boggs, Debbie Boggs
Terry Coleman, Rebecca Bennett, Shirley Coleman, Mills & Dotty Powell, Gary Tankenoff
Jack Comp, Mr. Martin & Ms. Lynn Badegian, Peggy Comp
Hershel Craig, Maureen Carmen, Ms. Elizabeth Craig, Ingrid Maxwell, Peg Mittendorf
Risa Crockett, Sandy & Bob Crockett
Al DeAugustine, Lisa Reams
John Deering, Ms. Ardith Deering
Theresa Dolce, Laura & Tom Jordan
Lee Elliott, Kent & Nancy Barrabee
Ron Feller, Ellen Becker, Susan Berman, Anne & Jeffrey Gartner, Barbara & Russ Miller
Ruth Ganeles, Anonymous, Paul Ganeles
Anthony J. Gatto, Nick & Denise Lapins
Steve Goulding, Anonymous
Alice Teugh Greenhouse, Richard Teugh
Jean Hall, Marshall & Janet Stewart
Jay I. Hilton & Joseph Hilton, Della Hilton
Edmund L. Jenkins, AmerisourceBergen, Ben Jenkins
Ray Johnson, Ms. LaNelma Johnson
Dick Kampa, Bonnie Kampa
Dave Kennedy, Czipora Schlesinger
Katherine Swords Kent, Anonymous
Doris Kowall, Ms. MaryAnn Ahrens
Angie Krafthefer, Anonymous
Jerome LaFontaine, Lynn & Darlene Lamb
Frances Mahoney, L. A. Bannowsky, Richard & Jane Greene, Catherine Lazar, Thomas & Brenda Mahoney,
Mark & Kelly Mollison, Rhonda & Timothy Snider
Reverend Susan Martin, Mr. Gus & Ms. Sally Aragon, James & Retha Davis, Margaret Ellsworth, George & Peggy Gluski, Russell & Peggy Hoeft, Joan T. Ellis
William Kenneth Martin, Russell & Peggy Hoeft
Althea McClure, Craig McClure
Jasper Melton, Brian & Marilee Fitzgerald
Brigitte B. Michael, Mr. Ulrich F. F. Michael
My cats Whitie, Simon and Kaya, Ruth Robertson
John Neel, Kent & Nancy Barrabee
Myron (Mike) Parr, Mr. Herman & Ms. Judith Haenert, Elizabeth & William McElfish, Curt & Diane Stowell
Joel C. Parrish, Sr., Gil & Kathy Parrish
Bob Peoples, Jacob O'Neill
Michael Rowe, Steven Rowe
Tommie Ryan, Arlene Sturm
James Souter, Wayne & Carol Dawson, Craig & Jan Littlefield, Gil & Kathy Parrish
Ruth Spyker, Mr. Greg Spyker
Raymond Stanley, Ms. Margi & Mr. Jim Alkire, Kent, Kurt and Connie Brown, Amy Grant, Anne BabsonGulotta, Charles & Lois Little, Annette Lyman, David C. Nichols, Mr. Michael & Ms. Jeanne Pfander, Brian C. Stanley, Nadine Stanley, Ms. Catharine Smith, Susan Taylor, Ruth Waldron
Michael Sturgis, Catherine Archibald, Pat Bandics, Barbara Baume, Missy Bowden, Mary Chapman Daley, Jim & Mimie Marum, Don & Nancy Rollings, Jeanne Sturgis, Elaine Tsatsafoulis, Jim & Rebecca Walcutt
Jay D. Testerman, Ms. Lois Boydstun
Ann Thoenes, Richard & Lois Klein
Delaine Tinsley, Mr. Bruce & Ms. Doreen Malone
Connie Whitehead, Wendell & Rose Tyson
IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY
Johnathan Allen's birthday, Teresita Allen
Shirley Boydstun's birthday, Ms. Lois Boydstun
Brave migrants who come with hope, Gregory & Cathy Mannel
Mace Bravin, Ms. Patti McBride
Kim Challender, Mary Rodenboh
Rabbi Helen Cohn, Anonymous
Dee Dee Connel, Mr. Kenneth & Ms. Pamela Xeele
Jack Dean, for the audio at Rev.
Susan Martin's service, Michael & Lucinda Lange
Shirley Foerster, Terry DeCarolis
Pat McGoven Gorchov, Mary Davis
Janet's Birthday Fundraiser, Cathy Ellen Green, Mrs. Janet Rowe, Steve Sayre
Bonnie Kampa, Ginny & Randall Richardson
Glenda Leach, Poly Print
Kenneth Merrifield, Geraldine Merrifield
Robert McLean, Michael Melton & Arlis McLean
Marjorie Miller's 100th Birthday! Pamela Ericson, Kelly Kline, Mr. Howard & Ms. Nancy Ullric
My family you've helped in the past, Hannah Joplin
Nancy Prins Myers Birthday Fundraiser, Arlene Olsen Cadel, Nancy & Christopher Myers, Mimi Niesen, Julie Reichman, Craig Winters
Robin Plouffe—Happy Birthday! Lynn M. Johnson
Margaret Reed, Ms. Sandra Thompkins
Sandy Ricker, Dr. John & Ms. Kay Sullivan
Shirley Ripsch, Tony Bathey, Janet Rae
Dennis Terrill—wonderful husband, father and friend, Barbara Dearrieta
Diane Wilson, James W. Springer
6 | www.icstucson.org
Bittersweet Farewell to Four ICS Retirees
Four valued members of the ICS team are retiring this summer. It is with mixed feelings that we bid them farewell—sorry to lose their wisdom, experience, and friendship in the ICS offices and food banks, but excited for the new opportunities that await them.
CURT BALKO, Food Bank Coordinator, spent 12 years at ICS. CEO Tom McKinney describes his lasting contribution to the organization: "He has been instrumental in growing our food bank operations. We are serving more people with more food than ever before. None of this could have been done without Curt."
KAREN MACDONALD, End of Life Trainer, has been with ICS since 2006 in a number of roles. "Her passion for the work of ICS and the role of faith communities in our mission is unmatched," says McKinney. "What is more impressive is her work in helping others understand the importance of making decisions on their care at the end of their days. It is not a popular discussion, but it is necessary and fits our greatest core value of compassion!"
PHYLLIS RIPLEY, Transportation Coordinator, has tirelessly served older and disabled adults. "Her work in Mobile Meals and Transportation Services has made a difference in so many people’s lives," says McKinney. "Her creativity and determination to make sure all that need services receive them has been most appreciated and will be missed."
JANIS WILLKOM, Mobile Meals Coordinator, was an integral member of the team for eight and a half years. Jennie Lane, who served as Jan's assistant and has now stepped up to fill her role, shares her appreciation: "I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Janis Willkom. She was a compassionate coordinator of the Mobile Meals Program. She treated staff, volunteers, and participants with the utmost dignity and respect. Her legacy of generosity will live on in the people we continue to serve."
IMAGES (from top): Curt Balko at the Northwest Food Bank; Tom McKinney and ICS staff toast Karen MacDonald at her retirement party; Janis Willkom (left) and Phyllis Ripley (right) with colleague Tandala Kidd.
ICS welcomes these recent additions to the team:
Kimberly Castro, Development Assistant
Elizabeth Guzman, Resource and Intake Specialist
Jennifer Humphries, Communications Coordinator
Phil Lynn, Outreach and Partnerships Senior Manager
Rachel Riggs, Single Mom Scholars Program Coordinator
Carla Vallejo, Accounting Senior Coordinator
WE'RE HIRING!
Learn about all current opportunities at ICS: icstucson.org/jobs
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Welcome STAFF UPDATES
9/11 Day of Service: Stuff the Truck September 9-11, 2023
The 9/11 National Day of Service honors victims, survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is an opportunity for the community to come together, make new connections, and work as a team.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to commemorate the day? Join ICS in feeding our neighbors.
icstucson.org/911day
WHAT TO DONATE
ICS food banks accept non-perishable food items, produce, dairy, and packaged meats. Please, no glass jars! Here are some ideas:
» Peanut butter
» Pasta
» Canned pasta sauce
» Canned fruits & veggies
» Beans & rice
WHERE AND WHEN
» Canned meats: tuna, chicken, etc.
» Meals in cans with pop tops: chili, ravioli, etc.
» Diapers (all sizes) & wipes
Saturday, September 9, 8–10 a.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2002 N. Greasewood
Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Greater Faith Church, 31 N. Plumer Avenue
Sunday, September 10, 7:30–10 a.m.
St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3738 N. Old Sabino Canyon Road
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7570 N. Thornydale Rd.
Monday, September 11, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
ICS Northwest Food Bank, 2820 N. Ina Road
520-297-6049 www.icstucson.org info@icstucson.org
Northwest Office
2820 W. Ina Road
Tucson, AZ 85741
campus of Christ the King Episcopal
Eastside Food Drop Off 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85710
campus of New Spirit Lutheran
Central Office 122 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711
campus of Rincon Congregational UCC
Southside Office 265 W Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706
campus of Unleashed Christian Church
If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at (520) 526-9304.