Volunteer Spotlight: MacKenzie Helfrich

Volunteer appreciation week is April 16-22, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we’ll be celebrating all month! Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. It’s pretty incredible to think back on all of the hours people have given to us – 5,698 hours in 2022 alone! These blogs will be posted in a question and answer format. 

MacKenzie Helfrich

Why did you decide to volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse? 

I first started volunteering for school credit and loved working with the families that came in for programs, so I continued to volunteer outside of the credit I needed for school. I’m excited to continue being involved. 

How long have you been a volunteer? 

I have been volunteering since the fall of 2022 and hope to continue while I am in Madison for school. 

What programs, committees or events have you volunteered with? 

GiGi’s Kitchen Kids, Teen/Adult and LMNOP.

What is your favorite way to volunteer with GiGi’s? 

I love helping with GiGi’s Kitchen – seeing how the kids kitchen skills progress and how they open up. They are becoming more confident and comfortable, and it has been amazing to be apart of. 

Can you share a favorite moment from your time volunteering? 

One of my favorite moments is from LMNOP – watching kids try new activities and reach new milestones. Some of them started to stand on their own and walk, which was exciting and made LMNOP the best part of my day. 

What is the most impactful thing you have learned from your time at GiGi’s? 

How important it is to celebrate our accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. Helping others celebrate is great, it makes me happy and shows how important everything we do is. 

What advice would you give to someone that is new to volunteering or considering volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse? 

For anyone that is new to volunteering or considering GiGi’s Playhouse, I would say to have fun and help with what interests you. I would also recommend getting to know those in the program, the relationships formed with the families are amazing and help make it a fun place for everyone. 

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Thank you, MacKenzie! 🧡