DSC's Community Day Services (CDS) volunteers at the Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) at least once a month, sometimes more. They all take great pride in packing food and helping others. "They LOVE going to EIF," shared Kim Hottmann, Community Day Services Manager. For their hard work and caring efforts, they recently received the 2024 Mission Impact Award from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank!
EIF's Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Merry Mitchell shares, "Every year, EIF likes to recognize groups that have gone above and beyond for us, and this year we’re recognizing DSC. We wanted to say thank you to everyone from your organization for providing the support that you do. It’s been such an amazing experience getting to know everyone from DSC, and we hope you know how much your help means to us."
It all started after Ania Howard, CDS Assistant Manager, learned about an individual's interest in volunteering at EIF. She reached out to Merry and coordinated the ongoing opportunity for CDS. Ania adds, "Volunteering at EIF has not only been great for the people we support, but for our staff as well. It has brought us together. [CDS Direct Support Professional] Mete Sarabi has been a leader through it all, and he models how to do the volunteer tasks; the group learns so well from him."
Mete shared, "I talk a lot about the things we can do to be a part of our community, and packing food is something that they take pride in. I appreciate that people [in CDS] are able to participate in something that has an understandable, clear benefit to others. Helping other people helps each of us to feel better about ourselves."
Congratulations, CDS! We are so proud of you all!
