REM Iowa Participates in 2014 Volunteer Day
20 May 2014
Employees of REM Iowa, a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers, came together with their families and friends on Saturday, April 12th to participate in The Network’s 2nd Annual National Volunteer Day. Nearly 200 employees cleaned up Tucker Park and Guthridge Park in Hiawatha, IA after a hard winter. Volunteers raked leaves, added mulch, cleared the park of sticks and debris, and prepared the park for spring.
“What an amazing and fun-filled experience it was to participate in The MENTOR Network’s 2nd Annual Volunteer Day!” said Lisa Pakkebier, Executive Director of REM Iowa. “To be able to have so many people within REM Iowa, as well as families and friends, participate in volunteering their time to give back to the community, was inspiring and invigorating. As a human service provider we make a difference in the lives of others every day, but it felt remarkable to have so many people associated with our organization be a part of making a difference in cleaning the parks in Hiawatha knowing that children, families, and adults would benefit from these acts of kindness. I can only hope more people have the opportunity to be a part of engaging events of this nature by giving back to their community in some way, shape or form.”
Nearly 800 employees across The MENTOR Network volunteered in nine states on April 12th. Participants organized spring cleanups and painting projects at a Boys & Girls Club, therapeutic horse farm, community boathouse, battered women’s shelter and various parks across the country, while others boxed products at food banks and sorted donated items at The Salvation Army.
“I want to thank everyone who made our second national Volunteer Day a big success!” said Bruce Nardella, President and CEO of The MENTOR Network. “To have so many employees volunteer their time toward making a difference in the communities we serve, in addition to the work they do every day with the individuals we serve is inspiring and is the embodiment of The Network’s mission in action.”