HVAF receives $4.7 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for Employment Program
April 1, 2021
Husband & wife veterans volunteer at HVAF together
April 19, 2021Sisters volunteer at a veterans organization in honor of father
When deciding where to volunteer, sisters Jen and Carolyn knew they wanted to volunteer at a veterans organization.
Carolyn looked through an e-mail that listed volunteer opportunities, and one organization caught her eye: Helping Veterans And Families.
The reason to volunteer for a veterans organization
“We looked in particular to volunteer for something that meant something to us,” Jen said. “And one that resonated with our history and to honor our father.”
Jen and Carolyn’s father – Army veteran Jack Grams – fought on the front lines of the Korean War.
“He was our hero,” Jen said. “A king among men, a great husband and the best father.”
After coming to HVAF to learn more, they decided to come in once per week to organize the clothes in the basement. Their friend, also named Jen, wanted to help as well – and joins them each week. Due to COVID-19 – volunteers were cut for months, but donations kept flooding in. This led to lots of clothes piling up everywhere.
“Not many people would walk down here and be excited about the job – but we were!” Jen said. “Because we are really into organizing. We like to do that for fun.”
Their work
Jen and Carolyn (middle and right), along with their friend Jen (left), have done wonders in our basement!!
Their goal is to make the basement so organized to where a HVAF employee or volunteer can come down and easily grab what a veteran needs. After a few months, we can already tell a HUGE difference in the basement thanks to their hard work!
“Since day one, Jen and Carolyn (and their friend – Jen), have been some of the most enthusiastic volunteers we have here at HVAF,” Ann Phillips, HVAF’s Volunteer Coordinator, said. “We are so thankful for their hard work and dedication not just to the basement – but to HVAF’s cause.”
Carolyn said she think their father would cry knowing they volunteer at a veterans organization.
“His service meant a great deal to him,” Carolyn said. “So he would be touched and proud.”
As they continue volunteering in the basement, they hope one day to work one-on-one with the veterans. But for now, they are more than willing to work wherever they are needed.
“We are happy to be here,” Carolyn said. “Whoever is interested – you should come and volunteer here because it’s great.”
If you are interested in volunteering at a veterans organization like HVAF – reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Ann Phillips today: APhillips@HVAF.org