Celebrating the giving spirit at Eagle’s Trace

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

April may acknowledge the spirit of giving as National Volunteering Month, but volunteers in Houston celebrate year-round.

The vibrant population at Eagle’s Trace eagerly dedicates their time and talents to both the Eagle’s Trace and the local communities.

Unlimited volunteer opportunities
From tutoring to toymaking, opportunities to volunteer at Eagle’s Trace are endless, making it a popular source for volunteers in the Houston area. If someone wants to start his or her own volunteering project, the community resources team provides the aid and means to do so.

One of the most popular volunteering themes is education in area schools. Hundreds of hours are spent beyond the borders of Eagle’s Trace providing tutoring to local students. And last November a mentoring group from Eagle’s Trace visited nearby Westside High School, where they spoke to students about the importance of voting.

Special volunteer opportunities for people to use their craft or creativity arise throughout the year as well. Last September, Woodworkers, Etc., at Eagle’s Trace made and donated 150 wooden toys to Toys for Tots.

Other ongoing efforts include those of a group of women who donated their time to knit blankets and make memory boxes for the Bereavement Group at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

According to Mary Kate Kell, who works in pastoral ministries at Eagle’s Trace and is a volunteer coordinator, “The volunteer spirit at Eagle’s Trace is vibrant and joyful. People get to use their skills and learn new ones, while helping people inside and outside the community” she says.

Volunteering on campus
In addition to the thousands of service hours donated by people who live at Eagle’s Trace, students and families from the surrounding area also dedicate their time to the community.