Volunteers have been the lifeblood of Playtime Project from the start. The organization was founded by volunteers, including our Executive Director and Founder, Jamila Larson. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to express our overflowing gratitude for the past, current, and future Playtime volunteers who make such an important contribution to the lives of Playtime children and families.
Why do we love Playtime volunteers?
Playtime volunteers love what they do.
Paige Selber used to be a social work intern at Playtime. Now she is a fourth-grade teacher in Virginia, but still chooses to spend some of her precious free time with Playtime children. “I love volunteering with Playtime. It doesn’t feel like work at all. Some of these kids I’ve known for a few years now and it’s great to see them grow and change as they get older.”
Brian Summers feels the same way. “I've said this to many of my friends before, but the work I do in my volunteering is more meaningful to me than any professional accomplishment I have achieved. Can working with children be difficult? Absolutely. It's tiring work. But the joy, laughs, and love make it worth it.”
Playtime volunteers contribute to children’s development.
When Owen began at Playtime, he was completely nonverbal. He would interact, babble, and yell, but would not use words. Play Ranger, Susannah Perkins, noticed a huge change after 6 months. “He became a chatty little boy. He would say please, thank you, excuse me, and apologize to friends when he bumped into them.” Susannah shared this progress with Owen’s mom, who replied, “That comes from Playtime. When he comes home from Playtime he talks a lot more.” Susannah’s and the other volunteers’ time and guidance made that progress possible.
“I love volunteering with Playtime. It doesn’t feel like work at all. Some of these kids I’ve known for a few years now and it’s great to see them grow and change as they get older.”
Volunteers connect with Playtime children and families beyond the playroom.
When former Playtime participants, Nyla Slye and Kamari Felton, were accepted into college, Playtime volunteers were there to cheer them on. Leah Gage had helped Kamari with his financial aid application before he received the exciting news. Quay Wilson, who had helped Nyla develop her communication skills as a shy child, had kept in touch with Nyla and her mother over the years. When Quay learned that Nyla was Spelman-bound, she could not have been more proud.
Last year alone, 141 weekly volunteers donated a total of 2,738 direct service hours, adding up to a value of $91,695. This does not even include Volunteers in Motion, who make sure playrooms are stocked; special guest volunteers, who share their musical, artistic, and professional talents; office volunteers, who help us behind the scenes; and group volunteers who clean playrooms, stuff PlayKits, and more. Playtime Project continues to be in awe and appreciation of the time, compassion, and dedication volunteers bring to Playtime children and families. Thank you, Playtime volunteers!
Interested in volunteering? Visit our website to learn more about the different ways you can help out and register here for an upcoming virtual training.
