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!”
Kicks, Confidence, and Community: Sarah’s GiGi’s Journey
Sarah’s journey as a volunteer is rooted in something deeply personal: a lifelong passion for supporting people with special needs and creating spaces where everyone feels included. From her early experiences in special education classes as a child to becoming a leader and advocate in her community today, Sarah’s story is one of compassion, leadership,…
Turning Math Upside-Down (Literally!): Maggie’s Lightbulb Moment
How a vertical number line helped one student unlock confidence and accuracy By Katie Buss, BSW Intern, Aurora University & GiGi’s Playhouse Virtual Playhouse Tutor (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026) When you meet 12-year-old Maggie, you immediately notice her spark. This fifth-grader from Massachusetts brings enthusiasm, humor, and heart to every tutoring session. Whether she’s talking about cheerleading (“GO EAGLES!”), gymnastics,…
Meet Addison: Building Friendships Through GiGi’s
Since joining GiGi’s Playhouse in 2023, Addison has become an important part of the community through his dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Wanting to give back to a community that means so much to many families and individuals, Addison quickly found a meaningful way to make a positive impact through volunteering. His passion…