Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Bucek (Interview)

Meet Sharon (Sharie) Bucek, this month's Volunteer Spotlight!🌟  Sharie has consistently been a vital contributor. She's helped in nearly every way possible: connected us to a nonprofit (one of our largest and most responsive), independently does the behind-the-scenes volunteering (volunteered over 120 hours), and created a group to make handmade cards (Meaningful Messages). We asked her some questions, and we're excited to share her story with you. Thank you for making a difference, Sharie!

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and share how long you've volunteered with Cardz For Kidz?

   • Response: My Name is Sharie Bucek. I began making cards about 25 years ago with my kids for friends and family. About 7 years ago I heard about Cardz For Kidz and began creating cards for the organization. I was living in Kansas at the time and also hosted a friend group to help me make cards one afternoon.

     
     

     5 years ago, we moved back to Chicago. When I found out that this was the ”home” of CFK I attended a few events and met Ike. This resulted in a great friendship and more involvement in helping the organization. 

     
     

2. What inspired you to start volunteering with Cardz For Kidz?

   • Response: I love to receive and send cards. I was happy to find an organization that uplifted children with positive messages.

     
     

3. Could you share a particularly memorable experience you've had while volunteering with us?

   • Response: While volunteering for a nonprofit in Arizona that receives cards from Cardz for Kidz, I was able to present cards to families who were receiving  other services. To see their  joy and excitement at receiving a handmade card with an encouraging message was really special.

     

     A Couple Photos From Deliveries to HCC

4. What specific tasks or projects have you been involved in?

   • Response: I have attended several in person events. I most enjoy making cards. I also proof, count, sort cards, take pictures and enter them into the system.

     
     

5. What are some of your favorite parts of participating with Cardz For Kidz?

   • Response: I enjoy talking to Ike about his ideas and watching the growth of this organization.

     
     

6. How do you feel your volunteering efforts have made a difference, either to the organization or to the recipients of the cards?

   • Response: I think I have made a difference by helping with the sorting of cards to help them move along and get into the hands of the people who receive them. I would hope that the cards that I make bring a smile to someone’s face and help to brighten their day.

     
     

7. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your volunteering experience or other things you think people should know?

   • Response: I am so grateful to volunteer a small bit of my time to an organization that is bringing such joy and positive messages to individuals. I play just a very small part in the efforts of Ike, Cardz for Kidz, and the many volunteers who make up this great organization.