Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Coble
When Karen Coble was in college, she worked her way through the kitchen line at a restaurant to become the breakfast chef supervisor. Little did she know, after raising two kids as a full-time mom and more than 30 years later, she would return to the kitchen to serve those in her community.
Two to three days a week, Coble hops on the Citylink and travels to The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. For a couple hours each day, where she volunteers to prepare snacks for programs and food for the cafe.
"Today it was strawberries," Coble said. "But sometimes it is prepping flatware for guests in the community rooms, or cheese and cracker packets for the cafe. I help wherever they ask me to in the kitchen."
Coble had been attending a Riverwalk class at the Kroc Center last year and lost 10 pounds. She has set a new goal to lose an additional 10 pounds or more this year. Coble shares, "I have been on disability a long time, but I was so motivated by my weight loss, I decided I wanted to give back to the community. I come here to work out, so I thought it was the natural place to volunteer."
For five years, Coble has been giving several hours a week in a variety of service opportunities, to include hospital escort, thrift store clerk and her recent kitchen duties. "I feel better when I leave from volunteering," she claims. "No job is too small for me to do. I enjoy who I work with and all the people are so helpful and patient. The Kroc Center is a great place to volunteer."
This volunteer experience has had a profound impact on her life. "It means a lot to me to be able to get out of the house and do something to help other people. I have this little job that is not too stressful. Since I have a lot of experience working in the kitchen, I feel rewarded with the praise I receive. This continually helps me feel worthy and boosts my self-esteem."
Coble's family moved to the Northwest in 1969 and she now resides in Coeur d'Alene. She has 2 daughters and is the proud grandmother to a grandson.
Volunteer Opportunity: Legacy Health is looking for People who like People!
Do you like talking to people? Legacy Health, formerly Dirne Community Health Center, is looking for someone who enjoys public relations, community outreach, and more! You will hand out brochures, talk to, and meet with people, businesses, organizations, and agencies in our community to let them know about Legacy Health and our services. Other opportunities include recruitment and coordination of volunteers, event planning, and mailings. If you are a social, outgoing person who likes to make a difference in the community, this opportunity is for you!
Requirements for this opportunity are enthusiasm, optimism, and love of people and community. Computer skills are a huge bonus! Prior experience with or knowledge of community outreach, volunteer coordination, media, or graphic arts would greatly help but are not necessary. Transportation is also helpful, as community outreach is a large component to this position.
Contact Alan Brockway, Development Director at Legacy Health, (208) 415-0292.
Visit the United Way of Kootenai County website at www.kootenaiunitedway.org for additional volunteer opportunities.
Get Connected!
The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center
GET CONNECTED!
* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community
* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities
* TAKE ACTION
Call (208) 667-8112 or visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org
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