Each quarter HandsOn Inland Empire highlights individuals who are dedicated to serving their communities. These outstanding volunteers are recognized  for all their hard work and dedication to HandsOn Inland Empire and its partner agencies.

Volunteer Superstar!
Spring 2008

Brenda Miller

Brenda has believed since childhood that each person could make a difference in the world, but it was personal tragedy that encouraged her to become a volunteer. As a Project Leader for 'Family Fun Night and Pot Luck', she knows what many of these families are going through because she was once in their position. "Loma Linda Medical Center made the experience of having cancer one of the most special times of my life. Many of the volunteers I only met once, many didn't even know our names, but every kind word and every kind gesture that we received will live in my heart forever."

When Brenda isn't volunteering through United Way, she is busy raising three teenagers with her husband and working full-time. She also volunteers at her kids' high school and is a board member for the Football and Band Booster clubs.

"I began volunteering with the HandsOn Inland Empire because I was looking for a place that offered help to small projects in the community." says Brenda. "Collectively, we can accomplish even more.  I have teenagers and my husband and I spend all of our free time volunteering at their schools and in their various activities."

As a Project Leader for 'Family Fun Night and Pot Luck', once a month she and her volunteers bring food for the families at the Ronald McDonald House, who have a child at Loma Linda Medical Center. With HOIE she has logged more than 30 hours of volunteering since beginning with the program in 2007.

"I personally use volunteering to make me feel better.   It defines who I am and what I have accomplished in my life." Brenda says. "I love helping the families at the Ronald McDonald House."

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? 'Giving' By Bill Clinton

FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Raspberry sherbet.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PROJECT LEADER?"As project leader, I get to introduce others to the gift of volunteering. How lucky am I to be able to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and share that experience with others? I thought if I could offer volunteerism to teens, I may be able to teach them how they can help themselves when they are down or in a crisis.  There is no better cure for sadness than volunteering. Volunteering is free, easy and accessible.  I wanted to change the way teens and adults deal with the negativity in their lives. HandsOn Inland Empire gave me the tool to reach out to others and give them the tools to make the difference in their lives and the lives of others."

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES?   "My personal heroes are my Husband, my Mom, my Children, my family and friends.  My heroes are also the people that we don't see, that get up every day and take action to make positive changes in around them.  So many people are Heroes in their own way.  I guess through gestures, each one of us has a hero within."

A card was sent to thank Brenda and her volunteers for dinner not too long ago.  Brenda shared the card and these thoughts with her volunteers so they knew how much their help meant to the families:

Two stories were shared with us that night:

• We got to see pictures of "Laura". She is an infant living at the Loma Linda Children's Hospital who underwent major heart surgery and is doing great. Her family is from Apple Valley and are currently residents at the Ronald McDonald House. Her Dad loved the homemade brownies. Mom was so happy to have us there she shared pictures with us of Laura and told us of her progress.
  
  
• We also met a woman and her two little girls (ages 6 & 8). They were the cute little blond girls. Their baby brother was born two weeks prior and is in need of a heart transplant. He has had major heart surgery. That day, was the 1st time his Mom got to hold him (twice). His sister (the 6 year old) was going to meet him the very next day for the first time and his older sister had not seen him since he was born.

I know that sometimes it feels like we are just making dinner and its no big deal.  But these families are in crisis and dinner is the last thing on their mind. I hope you know how wonderful your care and time is for these families. Giving kindness to strangers in a time of need is one of the greatest things you can do. Thank you so much for helping. Be proud of your work, I am. -- Brenda.