Volunteer Appreciation – Amy Goes Above & Beyond
During National Volunteer Month in April, we would like to recognize and thank all those who give their time and energy to support GiGi’s Playhouse and our Virtual Playhouse families. As a primarily volunteer run organization, we are truly grateful for the 650 Virtual Playhouse volunteers who donated 7,250 hours in 2022!
Our volunteer Spotlight for April recognizes Amy for going above and beyond helping with programming and administrative work. Amy has donated over 163 volunteer hours over the past 3 months! We are very lucky to have her as a volunteer.
“Hi my name is Amy and I am a senior at Loyola Chicago University studying exercise science. I plan to go into dentistry after graduation. I volunteer as a virtual program assistant. I help the program leader to run the virtual program smoothly.
I really enjoy volunteering for GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people and to interact with them. I love talking to participants before the start of each program and getting to know about their weekend plans, what they are having for dinner, or any exciting plans coming up. Volunteering at GiGi’s allowed me to learn how to modify certain activities so that it is inclusive to all participants. It is so enjoyable to see participants engage, succeed in their work, and their resulting happiness!”
Stirring Up Joy: Julie’s Journey with GiGi’s Kitchen Adult
In the midst of the pandemic, when social distancing became the norm and staying at home became a way of life, many of us found ourselves seeking new ways to stay connected and engaged. For Julie, discovering Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen Adult was a silver lining in an otherwise challenging time. Amidst the pandemic, Julie stumbled…
A sister’s impact
Many of our volunteers come to us because their lives have been personally touched by knowing someone with Down syndrome. We have many volunteers who have a sibling with Down syndrome and choose to give back by volunteering through our virtual 1:1 tutoring program or virtual group programs. Their passion for the Down syndrome community…
Where in the world will you impact acceptance?
Registration is NOW OPEN for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge! Join us in advocating for acceptance within the Down syndrome community. Let’s demonstrate that everyone deserves acceptance, regardless of differences in race, gender, diagnosis, sexual orientation, or religion! Our goal is ACCEPTANCE for all! You can register today with your local playhouse or through the Virtual…