DARTS Honors Volunteers of the Year for 2008

Volunteer Profile: Family Shops and Shares with "Grandmother"

Danelle Carlson wanted to volunteer for someone older and bring along her children, because their grandparents live a distance away. Having a “grandmother” experience nearby was appealing.

Danelle and her two- and four-year-old children were matched with Aino, a woman who needed help with grocery shopping. Osteoporosis had made it challenging for Aino to reach items on a shelf and to carry grocery bags. A shopper volunteer from DARTS was the answer.

When the young family arrives weekly, Aino greets them with a smile and lets the children know of a small bowl of candy waiting for them. Everyone is enjoying the connection and the comfort level it brings. For instance, as soon as the groceries are unpacked, perhaps Aino shows the family her newest great grandchild or everyone shares what has been happening during their week.

Why spend some time volunteering? Danelle is quick to point out that it doesn’t take much time to get a few groceries for someone who needs the help. There’s also the reward of knowing that a little bit of assistance helps Aino stay in her own home. And, for the family, a bigger plus is that the children have gained another “grandmother.”

DARTS and Kaposia: Working Together to Help Others and Improve Life Skills

Kaposia, Inc., St. Paul, advances the inclusion of people with disabilities and other challenges in working and participating in their communities. Kaposia provides employment placement and support and opportunities for community integration. Volunteerism is key to Kaposia’s community involvement, and Pat, a senior served by DARTS, experiences it first hand.

Janna Wikre, employment community specialist at Kaposia, approached DARTS about having a Kaposia group outing each week to grocery shop for a senior. The group was matched with Pat, who gives Janna her weekly shopping list and then looks forward to the group bringing the groceries to her apartment door. Janna says, “grocery shopping for Pat allows the group to pay attention and be thorough (by picking out only what is on the list). They get the chance to practice appropriate social interactions and it gives them a personal tie to their community.”

The Kaposia group knows that they are making a difference in Pat’s life. “By meeting Pat and interacting with her every time they shop, the group knows exactly who they are helping and that she is counting on them for her food. Whether they find the next item on the list, unload the cart at checkout, or carry a bag into Pat’s apartment, they are a part of the outcome…helping someone with a need. They all ‘feel good’ about helping Pat.”

For Pat, getting groceries is now less of a challenge. She has the added pleasure of knowing that shopping is reinforcing the group's life skills, which allows her to give back too.

The DARTS/Kaposia/Pat match has resulted in good outcomes for everyone!

Learn more about volunteering at DARTS and help make a difference in someone's life and in your community. Contact Barb Tiggemann at DARTS, 651-455-1560, for more information.

Sharing Thoughts about Volunteering

Some recent quotes from DARTS volunteers when asked about the satisfaction they receive from their volunteer work:

"Serving others, bringing generations together, and making great friendships."

"Friendship, purpose, and joy."

"Helping another person lead an independent life."

"If I can make a difference in someone's life, I feel good about what I do."

If you have a story to share about volunteering at DARTS or elsewhere, send us an e-mail.

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