Impact 52

Serving An Easter Meal

She sat alone, quietly waiting for her meal to be served.  She didn't have much.  Her clothes were tattered and worn.  The shoes on her feet had seen many nights and more than a few miles.  She looked at me intently as I handed her a small cup of fruit punch. "Thank you" she said with… Continue reading Serving An Easter Meal

Impact 52

Donating Hair To Bring Hope

I have never seen Kelsi so excited to get a haircut. She was up early on a Saturday morning, prepped and ready to go before I had my first cup of coffee. The anticipation of a cut and color was great, but that was not the reason for her excitement.  She was going short and donating… Continue reading Donating Hair To Bring Hope

Impact 52

Pink Shirts and Pink Balls

The Pineapple Volleyball Club held its first annual Pink Crush Classic volleyball tournament this week.  The event featured 124 youth volleyball teams from all over Indiana and the Midwest.  The event showcased awesome talent, extraordinary teamwork, and a commitment to community. Tournament proceeds and a portion of merchandise sales went to the Vera Bradley Foundation… Continue reading Pink Shirts and Pink Balls

Impact 52

Reconnecting With Old Friends

We stood in the shadows of the downtown library talking about the happenings of life.  We discussed the recent challenges that we have encountered and the obstacles that lie ahead. We smiled and laughed at bad jokes and off-the-cuff remarks.  Just like two childhood friends that reconnected after many months, we enjoyed great conversation and the time together.… Continue reading Reconnecting With Old Friends

Impact 52

A Park Clean-Up To Recognize Service

This week we joined the mayor and 40 other volunteers at Klug Park to celebrate "Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service."  One thousand mayors around the country came together to recognize the importance of volunteerism and service in our communities.  This day of recognition was full of press conferences, cameras, publicity, and service.  We were there for… Continue reading A Park Clean-Up To Recognize Service

Impact 52

Organized Chaos For A Great Cause

Every spring hundreds of people gather at the Mason Temple in downtown Fort Wayne to support a great cause.  They come together to support an organization that works tirelessly to end and prevent child abuse in our community.  The organization is SCAN (Stop Child Abuse & Neglect) and the event is the Brown Bag Lunch. SCAN… Continue reading Organized Chaos For A Great Cause

Impact 52

Do Not Go Barefoot: A Note To The Disgruntled Volunteer

This is a note to the disgruntled volunteer.  You know who you are.  You have made attempts to get involved with a local organization, but you have been unsuccessful because the organization has failed to respond.  Emails have been sent, applications completed, and phone calls made, but no reply.  Complete silence.  Maybe you have spent… Continue reading Do Not Go Barefoot: A Note To The Disgruntled Volunteer

Impact 52

A Little Free Library

Thirteen new libraries have popped up around our city over the last six months.  These libraries are making books available in the neighborhoods where children live and go to school.  Areas of our city that need books to help improve the literacy rates of children in need.   These libraries are not large brick buildings… Continue reading A Little Free Library

Impact 52

Perspective Through a Paintbrush

I sat in my car in the parking lot of a local home improvement store.  It was Saturday morning and I was there to pick up supplies for this week's volunteer experience.  After turning off the car, I sat quietly in my seat and began to reflect back on our volunteer work.  I thought about… Continue reading Perspective Through a Paintbrush

Impact 52

A Second Chance is Everyone’s Business

For more than two years, Blue Jacket has been on our target list of organization's that we wanted to learn more about and volunteer with.  It is an organization that specializes in second chances.  And who doesn't need, and deserve, a second chance at some point in life?  We all do.  We all make mistakes.… Continue reading A Second Chance is Everyone’s Business