Staff Volunteer Days

In honor of our 50th anniversary and as a way to say thank you to the Richmond community that has supported our Practice for half a century, the doctors of COFS initiated a staff Volunteer Day program. Each year, every staff member is given the opportunity to take a paid day off in order to volunteer her time at a non-profit organization of her choice.

We’d like to share some of the experiences COFS staff members have been a part of, thanks to our volunteer program.

Kristin volunteered with the Heart of America Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based organization that brings reading resources to the schools of at-risk children. Foundation representatives were in Richmond doing a makeover of the library at Westover Hills Elementary School where 1000 free books, new carpet, paint, furniture and computers were being donated. Kristin helped set up and organize for an assembly for the students. “I really enjoyed interacting with the staff of the organization and hearing students chattering in the hallways about how excited they were to get books and a newly beautified library.”

Volunteering for a clean up day with Friends of the James River Park and the James River Association for the walking and bike trails around the James River was Liz’s choice of projects. She helped out on Belle Isle, Buttermilk Trail, and Barker Field in Byrd Park. “The James River Park system includes over 550 acres of shoreline and islands. Like my job at COFS, it has become an important part of my identity here in Richmond,” says the urban resident. “And I appreciated the opportunity COFS gave me to help clean up a little of the park.”

The Christmas shopping season found Kim volunteering at a Salvation Army Angel Tree, marking and packaging donated items to be given to underprivileged families to brighten their holidays. “It was a very moving experience, and I will be doing it again next year!”

A good friend who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was the inspiration for Melissa to volunteer her time helping with the Arthritis Foundation’s annual Crystal Ball. She spent much of her day addressing and stuffing invitation envelopes, “gaining a real sense of accomplishment in helping with such simple tasks.” Melissa goes on to say, “The motivation the Foundation’s staff has for their cause is inspiring. I would like to thank the doctors for allowing me a day to reach out and help a non-profit organization get a little further along in their process.”

“We humbly accepted the smiles and words of gratitude so generously given to us. This has been a re-centering experience, reminding us both of how much we have been given and how good it feels to have the opportunity to give a little back,” say Mary J. and Wendy about their afternoon volunteering with Meals-on-Wheels. “We are indebted to the doctors for making this possible.”

“Since losing my only sister to cancer twenty years ago, it has been a wish of mine to be able to help other families who are going through what my family went through. We encountered many wonderful and caring healthcare workers and volunteers during that time, and I have always wanted to be able to give back in some way to others going through such a difficult time.” Through the COFS volunteer day program I was able to spend an orientation day preparing to become a volunteer in the Palliative Care unit of MCV.” Her volunteer day was just the first step for Mary G. who now regularly gives of her own time to this worthwhile ministry.

A breast cancer survivor and active volunteer, Gwen G. was able to give an additional day of volunteer time—this one with pay—to a cause close to her heart, The Richmond Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Organization, as they prepared for their annual Race for the Cure, which annually draws over 8,000 participants.

Although full-time working moms, Julie and Suzi both had the opportunity to chaperone their children’s field trips to Williamsburg and Jamestown. Julie describes the day as being fantastic. “All the kids were so enthusiastic to hear about our history. I had a wonderful time. The day was full of smiles and I thank the doctors for the opportunity to spend this day with my daughter and her classmates.” Equally as enthusiastic, Suzi says, “Thank you so much for allowing me to have this time with my son and his classmates. It will be a day he and I will always remember.”

Shera was able to help her son’s school with their Spring Festival. All went well except for the weather—45 degrees and rain mixed with a few snow flakes! “Thank you for allowing me to be involved,” says Shera.

Expecting a baby herself, Casey could relate to the needs of the women assisted by the Pregnancy Resource Center of Metropolitan Richmond. Her day was spent organizing for the distribution of the Baby Bottle Campaign, which raises donations in local churches to help continue the Center’s ministry, helping to provide pre-natal vitamins, care and other services. “I have been so fortunate in my pregnancy to have had resources and wonderful pre-natal care. I enjoyed being a part of helping other women receive resources, hope, and encouragement. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community.”

Through this volunteer program, Deborah was able to spend a day helping a friend in need. A co-worker had serious surgery. She needed some assistance around the house along with help in running errands. “I included my teenage son in this day and together we were of help to my friend in need,” says Deborah.