Last month, Missouri REALTOR® Michelle Walker posed the following question to the rest of our Association:
“As REALTORS®, we're all community-minded people. We understand the importance of serving in our communities. It's important to give back to our towns and cities, but it can be admittedly difficult to find the time to do so. I'm wondering, what do you do to support your community? How do you find the time? Your experience could inspire others to give back too, so please share!”
In true holiday spirit, Missouri REALTORS® proved that they are dedicated to philanthropic efforts during the holiday season and beyond. Here are some of our very own community’s answers that will hopefully motivate you to find a food drive, donation center or volunteer opportunity near you this December.
“I serve on the Francis Howell School District Board of Education. I have found it to be extremely rewarding and a great way to make meaningful community connections. It has allowed me to focus my community efforts on the success of the next generation. As far as finding the time, I believe that we make time for what we find important. The support of the REALTOR® Party in my elections has been profound. The community connections are invaluable. Even though it is a really difficult time to serve on a school board, the impact we are having on future makes it worth the stress.” - Michelle Walker
“I give back through Zuzu's House a resource center for vulnerable teens located outside Marshfield Missouri.” - Ruther Davis-Letterman
“I contribute to Mimi's Pantry every month, a portion of all sales goes to Children's Miracle Network. Volunteer with Habitat Rock the Block and our office always contributes to various organizations I can give to them.” - Lin Van Meter
“Dogs are my love and passion. I got involved with our local animal shelter about ten years ago. My mom and I began with a commitment of $100 for every listing side that we closed annually. Since that time, we have donated over $50,000 to Five Acres Animal Shelter in St Charles. I have had an opportunity to serve on their Advisory Board. And, nine years ago, I organized the first (annual) Stockin' Up of Shelter Pets supply drive within my company to collect donations from within our community. We just completed our pick up and drop off yesterday for this year's event!” - Jennifer Piglowski
“I volunteer at the local schools free clothes closet, donations from the community are sorted and made available for all grades..happy to help those in need. I also foster dogs with a local rescue until they’re adopted. It’s rewarding to see an abused pup blossom and go to a loving family..try to get the word out to adopt and spay and neuter.” - Linda Long
“I volunteer at Hand N Hand Pregnancy center. It's great to be able to give a mother options to help her take care of her baby. Or find a good adoption agency. We are there to listen, assist and provide material needs for their babies.” -Barb Garrett
“I serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Terre Du Lac LifeStyle newspaper. Working with a group of about 60 volunteers we produce a 30-40 page newspaper quarterly. This gives me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of community minded individuals. When I first started about 8 years ago we set up committees with wonderful leaders. They all work together to make the paper happen! I find that the time I invest is small compared to the amount of energy I get from the group, Working with the HOA Board of Directors keeps me up to date with changes in the neighborhood; which gives me solid information to share with my clients.” - Anna Hatridge
“Several years ago, I started watching the obituaries. I always say that I look at the obits every morning and if I am not there, I get up and go to work. One of the things I do is watch for memorial donation requests.” - Steve Owen
We give to our church and also, work with an organized church group to help distribute food to local people. Also, work on individual projects that come up from time to time. We also make special donations to mission work. In the past, I sat on boards of community organizations and on a community improvement committee at the Chamber of Commerce. But, at this age, it is mostly cash donations. In addition to local charities, often as memorial requests, we make regular donations to several different veterans organizations. There are many opportunities available for those who want to give back.” -Steve Owen
“I am the Chairman of the Board of Truman Habitat for Humanity, President of the Church Council at St Lukes UCC Independence, On the Board of Directors for the Independence Economic Development Council, Active member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Serve on the City of Independence Committee...Independence on a Roll and a Trustee of the Missouri Realtors Relief Fund.” -Dan O’Neill
“I give back to the Joplin-area communities by serving as a Trustee on the board of Solace House of the Ozarks (SHOTO.) Solace is a residential social-model home that provides a safe & peaceful environment for those at end-of-life. We are an extension of family at a time when family cannot provide 24/7 care for a family member. In 2020, during a time when Covid restricted family from hospitals and nursing homes, 20 guests passed at Solace with family present. Those family members may have been only “visitors through a glass window” or prevented completely from having contact with their lived one otherwise. Solace rented a home for 1 year but with community support, we have purchased the property. Gary & I downsized during 2020 and live on the same block as Solace. We feel that it is not just a “coincidence” but an answer to prayers in many ways.” - Lana Nelson
“As a REALTOR® I have always felt the need to strengthen our community in any way possible. In the past 31 years I have served on numerous committees, but currently I serve as: Treasure for DownTown Monroe City Revitalization, the Secretary for Monroe City Development Corp (a decades old industrial/commercial group that has helped establish businesses within our community through financial support), the Secretary for the Mosswood Golf & Recreation Association asa not-for-profit that runs our local Golf and Recreation area, and the State Director & incoming President for 2022 for the Mark Twain Association of REALTOR®. I call these my extracurricular activities - those groups that are near and dear to my heart. It has been my firm belief that if we don't give back to our community, we will not be leaving it better for future generations.” - Debbie Kendrick
“Community service is a passion of mine, and one of my favorite local committees is Community Outreach. Some of my involvement is even longer than I have been a REALTOR®. In St. Charles County I have served on our County Parks Advisory Board for over 10 years (we have a goal of having 5000 acres of parks (green space), and we are at 4000. Also, for over 10 years I have served on our Ambulance District Advisory Board. I’m in my 10th year as a Board Member for Vision Leadership - St. Charles County which is run by mostly volunteers and developing community leaders. I regularly volunteer to help with events for our local fire department and for the STL branch of the National Kidney Foundation. I serve as a resource for many going through similar medical issues that I have experienced, like kidney failure, dialysis, and transplant. While doing dialysis I took classes to become a Missouri Master Gardener. We have a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer work each year.” - Will Klein