TEEG Celebrates its Volunteers in Honor of National Volunteer Month
With only a core staff of eleven people, TEEG relies on its 100 plus volunteers to fulfill its core mission of providing community services, early education, prevention, senior outreach and volunteer opportunities to the communities of northeastern Connecticut.
North Grosvenordale, CT (Vocus) April 24, 2010
April is National Volunteer Month. Established in 1974, it is a time to recognize the many ordinary people in local communities who accomplish extraordinary things through service. TEEG, a nonprofit social service agency serving communities in Northeast Connecticut, is especially grateful to its volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of time every year.
With only a core staff of eleven people, TEEG relies on its 100 plus volunteers to fulfill its core mission of providing community services, early education, prevention, senior outreach and volunteer opportunities to the communities of northeastern Connecticut. “Without our volunteers we wouldn’t have the capacity to provide services to those who rely on us,” says Stacy Rodecap, Community Services Manager for TEEG, “It’s like have a second staff. We depend on them and they’re always there for us. Our volunteers are essential.”
TEEG volunteers assist with things like distributing food, preparing meals, providing lawn and garden care, answering phones and filing stacks of paper work. In the year 2009 alone, TEEG had 150 volunteers who provided 3,588 hours of service with an average 299 volunteer hours per month. “TEEG has been blessed with caring, generous individuals from the communities of Thompson and beyond who give freely of their time and talents to help us meet our mission,” says Donna Grant, TEEG Executive Director. “We couldn’t do all that we do without them.”
This month TEEG hosted a banquet at The Knights of Columbus in North Grosvendale to honor its many volunteers. Over 100 people attended the event, which recognized 77 volunteers, including the Board of Directors, for their many hours and years of service to the agency.
Among those honored was Norm Babbit and Sam Fontaine, both of Thompson.
Norm was presented with an appreciation award for his 14 years of service to TEEG. He was there to help when TEEG delivered its first turkeys to families in Thompson, and when TEEG needed to move from its original office at the Thompson Emanuel Lutheran Church to its current location on Main Street. After TEEG was moved in, Norm single-handedly painted the exterior of the building. He has a life-long commitment to volunteering since he was 3-year-old boy. His parents were active volunteers and provided the example that he has continued to follow throughout adulthood. Why do volunteers like Norm give their time to help the community? “When you see the eyes of the receiver, it’s something you will never forget,” says Norm, “I remember delivering toys to a young mom with three children. She was speechless. To see her happiness because of the efforts of others makes it all worthwhile.”
Sam is a freshman at Tourtellotte Memorial High School. He was recognized by TEEG for helping out with seasonal events and performing office work. His family has volunteered for TEEG for many years by helping with such programs as "Toys for Tots and Teens" and TEEG Food Bank. "Volunteering gives me something better to do after school than sitting around watching TV," says Sam, "TEEG is a great organization. You'd be surprised how many people they help."
For more information about volunteer opportunities at TEEG, contact Michelle Vincent, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 860-923-3458.
Caption: TEEG hosted a banquet at The Knights of Columbus in North Grosvendale to honor its many volunteers. Over 100 people attended the event, which recognized 77 volunteers, including the Board of Directors, for their many hours and years of service to the agency. Pictured L to R: Donna Grant, TEEG Executive Director, presented the TEEG Ambassador Award to Kathleen and Tom Poplawski of Grosvenordale for their generous support to TEEG at the 2010 Have a Heart charity event.
About TEEG:
TEEG is a community-centered nonprofit agency of human services whose mission is to empower individuals, strengthen families, engage the community, and connect resources. TEEG works with several Northeast communities including Thompson, Woodstock and Pomfret with programs in community services, early education, prevention, senior outreach, and volunteer opportunities. Last year, TEEG provided services to more than 2,000 residents of Northeast Connecticut through more than 33,000 individual outreach efforts. For more information about TEEG, its programs and services, visit http://www. teegonline. org or call 860-923-3458.
Contact:
Donna Grant
(860) 923-3458
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