Thank You Volunteers!

by Liz Kepniss, Site Coordinator

When I think of all that we do at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough, I can’t help but think about all the good that our volunteers contribute to our programs and daily operations.

Caryn & Chris get ready to represent GiGi’s on News 12 NJ!

Our interns Caryn & Chris help with community outreach, write thank you letters and yes even help clean and organize everything on our shelves. Without their weekly help, the Playhouse would not run smoothly. I have come to depend on them to keep an eye on things when I need to run errands, and to contribute ideas when planning programs.

Carol’s literacy student Jason presents her with the 2016 Literacy Tutor of the Year Award.

Literacy tutors like Carol are priceless. She puts in countless hours planning lessons for her students, and helping them to purposely progress to the next level in their reading skills. In her own words…

It’s never too late to learn something new, and GiGi’s tutoring program is the proof of that.  I never imagined that I would enjoy tutoring as much as I have this past year. I am constantly learning along with my students.  Each session is filled with struggles, accomplishments and surprises. The first word or the first sentence a student reads is an emotional experience for me, I can compare it to a roller coaster ride. I am always nervous before the ride begins, but once I made it through the first loop, I am excited about the rest of the ride!

Planning for and then recording a student’s accomplishments is very rewarding. Each new session is another roller coaster ride with different hills and loops.  I have watched the world change for someone as letters begin to speak as words, sentences and even stories! I have seen a student become so motivated to learn that no reminders to practice between sessions are necessary. A tutoring session is about so much more than just learning a new skill.  We share stories about our day, our families and even our favorite sport or TV show. Tutoring allows me to share my love of reading with my students while they teach me about what is truly important in life, that we can all inspire each other to do great things!  Thank you GiGi’s!  

Marsha & Donna lead program participants in gross motor play.

Program leaders Marsha & Donna dedicate their time planning a monthly program for the 3- 5 year playhouse participants. Each month brings a new theme that is used to explore fine & gross motor skills, as well encourage creativity.

Without our many volunteers, and there are over 200, my job as the Site Coordinator would be incredibly hard. I love coming to work every day, and that is a result of everyone who so generously donates their time and talents to GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough. I say it to them all the time, but it can never be said too much- THANK YOU for all that you do!