WINGS Recognizes National Volunteer Month – April 2019

WINGS Recognizes National Volunteer Month – April 2019

Volunteers are essential to WINGS. Last year WINGS volunteers donated 63,135 hours – the equivalent of 30 full-time employees. To celebrate these dedicated individuals, this April WINGS is recognizing National Volunteer Month.

Last year the WINGS utilized 3,378 volunteers who served in a variety of ways:

Logistics Center and Resale Stores

Many of WINGS volunteers assist in staffing the agency’s Resale stores and Logistics Center. These hardworking groups and individuals sort donations from community members consisting of clothing and other items.

After these items have been sorted, they are distributed to the agency’s Resale stores. The Resale stores sell these items to the public with all proceeds going to support WINGS holistic housing, counseling, and community-based programs.

Additionally, these donations are available to WINGS program participants at no cost, as they rebuild their lives. Learn more about WINGS three Resale stores.

Safe Houses

WINGS two Safe Houses operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Safe House volunteers provide critical support to WINGS staff and ensure these emergency shelters remain open.

These volunteers are dedicated, as those serving at the Safe Houses must complete a 40-hour domestic violence training.

Last year, these volunteers supported WINGS Safe Houses in providing 27,492 nights of shelter and over 82,476 meals.

Events and Administrative Support

Volunteers often make events and processes run smoothly. WINGS hosts and participates in a number of fundraising events throughout the year that raise awareness and funds for WINGS mission to end domestic violence.

Volunteers serve on event committees, solicit donations, and assist in day-of tasks; all contributing to the success of the events. The agency works with a number of volunteers who provide administrative support.

Heart of the Agency

“WINGS volunteers are the heart of our agency. They empower us forward in our mission to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence.

Our volunteers are extremely dedicated and continually seek out creative ways to fill agency needs, ultimately making our programs the best they can be.

I’m continually inspired by our volunteers who demonstrate that through our community working together, lives are not only saved, but transformations are possible,” Bruna Srb, WINGs Manager of Volunteer Services shares.

This month WINGS will be recognizing volunteers at a special dinner at Golden Brunch in Arlington Heights.

For more information about volunteering at WINGS, contact Bruna at bsrb@wingsprogram.com or 847.519.7820, ext. 216.