Volunteering at Rainbows impacts not only the children with special needs and their families, but it also changes the life of the volunteer. “I enjoy every minute I spend volunteering and am always looking for the next event to sign up for because it brings me pure joy to see the smiles on all of those kids’ faces,” said Mary Ellis. “You can’t help but just feel joy every time you’re around them.”
Mary first became involved with Rainbows at last year’s Rainbows Run Walk. Because she lives in Butler County, she said the event holds a special place in her heart knowing that all the proceeds go to children and families in Butler County.
Since May, Mary has been a Volunteering Force. She volunteered at most of the Camp Woodchuck events, helping to set up tables and chairs, decorate rooms, serving treats, and applying temporary tattoos. One of her favorite camp events was the Talent Show. “It was so amazing and heartwarming to see all of the kids having so much fun dancing and singing with not a care in the world,” she said. “It was also so awesome to see the staff who care so much about each and every one of these kids. The bonds they are formed are just amazing to watch.”
As a working mother, Mary knows how hard it can be to make it to every event at their kids’ schools. Because of this, Muffins with Moms especially touched her heart. Mary was the first person to sign up to volunteer at this early morning daycare event. “I had the pleasure to go sit in with a little boy whose mom couldn’t make it and it just melted my heart,” she smiled. “I know as a mom I would love to know that there was someone kind enough to just sit and have a muffin with my babies because I couldn’t be there.”
Most recently, Mary volunteered at the Hampel Luau and has already committed to volunteering at Fashion Passion in November.
