Palatine Park District | Volunteer Voice Newsletter (Winter 2018)

VOLUNTEERVOICE

WINTER 2018 • PALATINE PARK DISTRICT

Gratefully acknowledging the many individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference in our community.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Pleasant Hill Elementary Students Make a Difference On November 13, Palatine Park District’s Volunteer Program partnered with The Village of Palatine, hosting a collaborative service project during Pleasant Hill’s Make A Difference Week.

Fourth graders arrived ready to pitch in, stuffing 2,000 goody bags for Turkey Trot participants and coloring placemats for the Palatine Township Senior Center. The students then went for a tour of the Village of Palatine, which included a visit to the Mayor’s office!

In addition to their volunteer efforts, students also fundraised and donated $75.00 to the Palatine Park Foundation, which will be earmarked for scholarship.

Collaborators Melissa Moeller (Village of Palatine), Laura Kometer (Pleasant Hill Elementary School), Julie Selof (Palatine Park District), and Alissa DePue (Palatine Park District) wish to thank the students for truly making a difference!

Volunteer Voice is a publication of Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL, 847.991.0333, palatineparks.org.

Would you like to submit a comment or a question or suggest an article to the editor? Contact Alissa DePue at adepue@palatineparks.org or 847.496.6212. For more information about the volunteer program, or to sign up, visit palatineparks.org and click on “Volunteer Opportunities” under the “Community Involvement” tab.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Frosty Family Fun, January 26 Date Night, February 8 Indoor Drive-in Movie, March 2 Hound Egg Hunt, March 31 Musical Matinee, April 22 Head to the Hills, April 28 Big Trucks, May 5

Sign up online!

Health Benefits of Volunteering

a sense of purpose & fulfillment increased self-confidence reduction in stress levels decreased risk of depression

THIS SEASON

HAPPENINGS

4 Ways to Volunteer During the Winter Months

Volunteer Highlights

With winter here, you might be thinking about how to take your volunteering to a warmer, cozier location. As temperatures drop and frost or snow covers the ground, outdoor projects become less feasible, giving way to a new crop of volunteering options.

1. Make hats and blankets to donate. Help others stay warm this winter by gathering some fleece, wool, or yarn and putting it to good use!

It has been a busy season of service for Palatine Park District’s Volunteer Program!

The following are some of the recent events that our volunteers helped with: the Chamber Expo and Community Showcase, Pleasant Hill Service Project, Parents’ Night Out, Turkey Trot, and Allegro Winter Performance.

2. Write and send greeting cards. Sending greeting cards is not just for the holidays! Write cards or send care packages to deployed troops, new recruits, and veterans. Brighten a hospitalized child’s day with a personal note or card.

3. Throw a party to fundraise for your favorite cause. You can throw a party in your house to raise money for a cause you are passionate about. Get your friends and family to help—invite your neighbors and coworkers to attend as well.

4. Help out seniors in your neighborhood. Cold weather, ice, and snow can present some challenges for the elderly. You could help someone do their grocery shopping, bring over a fresh, home-cooked meal, or offer to pitch in with household chores.

Source: Points of Light (pointsoflight.org)

WE CAN HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT CORPORATE SERVICE PROJECT Corporate Social Responsiblity: A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in the interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.

Employees who volunteer their time to company service projects believe their service: • Benefits them personally • Improves their ability to perform their work duties • Improves their ability to cope with job challenges • Develops contacts and skills that can be used on the job

How Palatine Park District can help: We can assist in organizing company service projects which demonstrate your company’s mission, values, and philosophy.

• Environmental Beautification Projects (plantings, landscaping, etc.)

• Stable Stewardship Programs • Corporate Clean Up Projects (graffiti, trails, parks) • Health and Wellness Events • Special Event Assistance

• Improves self-esteem and sense of pride

Benefits of demonstrating corporate social responsibility: • Altruistic intentions—good global citizens • Means of recruiting, motivating, and retaining employees • Customer and public relations

Alissa DePue Volunteer Coordinator Email: adepue@palatineparks.org Phone: 847.496.6212