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!”
Chandler’s Best of All Shines in the Virtual Playhouse
When Chandler logs into the Virtual Playhouse, his smile says it all. The screen lights up with familiar faces, and he knows this is his space—a place where he can laugh, learn, and connect with friends. For Chandler and his family, the Playhouse isn’t just another program; it’s a community that celebrates every step forward,…
GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse Volunteer Spotlight: Connecting Across Continents with Tola
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, volunteers bring energy, creativity, and heart to every program—helping children with Down syndrome thrive across continents and cultures. One inspiring volunteer is Tola, whose journey began thousands of miles away in Nigeria. Discovering GiGi’s Playhouse Tola’s connection with GiGi’s Playhouse began in 2016 during a trip to Minnesota. Two years earlier,…
🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Devin 🌟
Meet Devin, one of our amazing GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse volunteers! This summer, she brought her passion for helping others to several programs, including the Summer Literacy Program, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, and Friends Fun Fitness Teen. “I wanted to get involved due to my love of helping others,” Devin shared. “Advocating for and looking out for…