Essays from volunteers, we’re off to build in Arizona!

Susan, Jenifer, Jill, Laurel, and Pat in Phoenix before headng out to the First Mesa

By Pat Waldo

I find myself most fulfilled in the service of others.  I am a former board member of Habitat for Humanity and volunteer there today.  I coordinate and organize food drives, coat drives, and Adopt-A-Family for the holidays at American Licorice.

For me, volunteering is part of how I live and “pay it forward”.

By Jill Salczynski

In 2008, I was chosen to receive a new home from Habitat for Humanity.  My family and I put in sweat equity hours to build our new home.  I also worked on two other houses, learning carpentry skills, and making some new friends! I have volunteered at the small animal shelter in LaPorte for the past two years.  I love supporting the shelter because it takes these animals off the street and provides them with food, clean water, and a safe home. I’ve also hosted an event with my class at Ivy Tech at the Duneland Resale organization, raising $800 to help needy families pay their bills.  I’ve cleaned up Stone Lake with others at American Licorice.  I donate to charities like the Salvation Army.

Everyone needs some assistance at one time or another.  This trip will be a lifetime opportunity to give back.

By Susan Haines

I volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, have been involved in community clean ups, and bring food to our company food drives.  I really enjoy helping American Licorice adopt families for the holidays.  We buy coats, gloves, and boots for each child in the families.  I also collect dinner items for these families from at least 30 local businesses—ham, potatoes, rolls—and I ask the businesses to donate other services such as haircuts, pizza, and games.  I helped my oldest son organize his own food drive.  He is now on his second year of organizing.

I look forward to the chance to learn and experience a different lifestyle at the In Good Company Hopi service trip.

By Jenifer Zickefoose

I clean up local parks with my daughter every time we go, cleaning up the community and also teaching my child to as well.  She is now teaching her friends to do this!  I also like to donate food to the food bank and give to the needy at my church.  I carpool to work, saving the environment, as well as gas…