Category Archives: Volunteer Stars
2019 CAL Outstanding Volunteer
Congratulations to Nichole Walters, named the 2019 Colorado Association of Libraries’ (CAL) Outstanding Volunteer.
Nichole began volunteering for Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in 2014 at the Highlands Ranch branch. Initially, she helped with the Summer Reading Program, Simple Science series, Movin’ and Groovin’ Storytimes, Technology Fair, and prepared crafts for events. Nichole’s huge heart and giving spirit soon led her to become a Lead Volunteer in our Homebound Delivery program, delivering library materials to those in our community who are unable to visit the library themselves due to illness or injury.
In early 2018, Nichole became instrumental in processing donated materials for online sales through Amazon. And later that year with the Highlands Ranch branch renovation and closure, she drove the 42-mile round trip weekly for nearly six months to continue the operation out of another branch.
Nichole’s volunteer efforts have helped support our DCL Foundation by providing scholarships for Camp DCL for children as well as literacy-based programs like Cuddle Up & Read which introduces new parents to the library’s early literacy services.
Nichole is always among the first to offer her help. She has super-human stamina and is dauntless in the face of obstacles no matter how insurmountable they may seem. She does it all with a quiet dedication that touches lives but seeks no credit or recognition. DCL is truly honored to have Nichole as a volunteer!
89 Volunteers Recognized at DCL
Recently, Douglas County Libraries recognized 89 volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the nation’s most prestigious service award. President’s Awards honor those who, by their commitment, inspire others to engage in volunteerism.
For these awards, hours were tracked from January 1 through December 31, 2018. Volunteers earned award levels based on their service hours during that 12-month period: bronze, silver and gold.
DCL’s four gold winners for 2018 are:
- Jackson Hamilton – Castle Rock teen volunteer
- Riley Hamilton – Castle Rock teen volunteer
- Sasha Morton – Highlands Ranch teen volunteer
- Rowan Trietley – Lone Tree teen volunteer
In addition, in 2018 the DCL Board of Trustees’ combined hours qualified for a group silver award, and the DCL Foundation’s combined hours qualified for a group bronze award.
Congratulations to all of the award winners!
HRCA Volunteer of the Month
Krishna N. is the February Volunteer of the Month at Highlands Ranch Community Association. Krishna attends Rock Canyon High School and has been volunteering with the Therapeutic Recreation Dept. for over a year. He helps with soccer, sports camps, and unified basketball. His favorite thing about volunteering is seeing the smiles on the athlete’s faces while they compete and have fun. He plans on attending college after high school and continuing to help people. Krishna’s take-away from volunteering is “Coaching has taught me patience and leadership skills.”
Thank you Krishna for sharing your time and talent and making a positive difference in our community!
HRCA Volunteer of the Month
Debbie is the December Volunteer of the Month at Highlands Ranch Community Association. Debbie has been volunteering with the Therapeutic Recreation Dept. for almost a year and her caring and sensitivity have made her a favorite of the athletes. She helps with soccer, basketball, swim team, and sports camps. An Iowa native, Debbie is a graduate of CU Denver and has lived in Highlands Ranch for 20 years. Debbie says getting to know the kids and seeing their sportsmanship develop has been the highlight of her volunteer experience. Thank you Debbie for all you do!
Mom & Daughter Duo
Mary Ellen and Katie Thurston are a dynamic mother and daughter duo. They are a great team and support the Lone Tree branch of Douglas County Libraries by volunteering 2 days a week. They started as shelvers and now help with the bookstore. In addition, the Lone Tree branch maintains bookshelves at the local recreation center where they keep the shelves full and in great condition.
The library is privileged to have this dedicated, generous and hard working mom and daughter team as part of their volunteer family. Mary Ellen has shared her world famous pumpkin pancakes with the library staff and Katie never comes in without giving hugs and great big smiles! Everyone looks forward to seeing them as they bring joy to all the staff every time they volunteer.
Because Mary Ellen and Katie are such dedicated volunteers, they were nominated for and won the Heart of Volunteerism Award from Metro Volunteers in 2018. They have elevated our community by donating their time, talent and graciousness.
Dish Cares Volunteers
The volunteers from Dish elevated the Oregon Trail program at the Castle Pines Library with their enthusiasm and good humor. From playing a maniacal thief to celebrating participants little wins, the Dish Cares team made the event so much more fun and engaging for our patrons. I appreciated all of their help both during the program and clean up. I couldn’t have done it without them!
-Alyson, Douglas County Libraries
HRCA Volunteers of the Month
July volunteers of the month for the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program at Highlands Ranch Community Association are the Basketball Coaches that helped in May and June. This program has grown thanks to the selfless efforts of a number of dedicated individuals. Many have been with TR basketball for over four years. They represent a wide age-range including students, working professionals, and retirees. When asked what keeps them coming back, they cite love of the athletes and love of the game. This program would not be possible without their help. Many thanks to these volunteers who bring so much joy to the participants!
Exceptional Volunteer
The Philip S. Miller branch is blessed to have volunteer DJ on its volunteer crew. DJ began volunteering for Douglas County Libraries in June 2014. DJ is always happy to help with whatever is asked of her. She does myriad projects to support library and book store operations as well as library events. If you attend an event at the Philip S. Miller branch it’s likely DJ has had a hand in preparing some aspect of it, or she is there welcoming you to the event, like she did at our Summer Reading Kickoff Party on her 4th anniversary of volunteering with DCL. She is a delight to all who meet her and we would be lost without her devoted volunteerism.
11 Years of Service
Jay started volunteering at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in 2007. He has physical limitations that make everyday life challenging. His mother or Neighbor Network have transported Jay to the Castle Rock branch one to two times a week for 11 years so he can give back to the community. Jay’s stamina and resolve to make volunteering a top priority is admirable. He has processed hundreds of thousands of books for DCL during his tenure, making many of them ready for the used bookstore to end up in patrons’ home libraries.
Jay and his mom recently moved to a new home; his smile and fervor for life will be greatly missed. Thank you Jay!
Thank you to all Volunteers!
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and we celebrate those who dedicate their time to be stewards and leaders of our community through volunteerism. National Volunteer Appreciation Month also encompasses National Volunteer Week. This year, National Volunteer Week is celebrated April 15-21.
A special thank you to all the volunteers who make a positive difference in our communities by donating their time and talents.
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” –Author Unknown
