Celebrating Our Community Volunteers

Behind the Smiles and the Service: Celebrating Our Community Volunteers

Twice a year, when school picture day rolls around, a special kind of magic happens behind the scenes. It’s not just the flashes of cameras or the carefully arranged backdrops—it’s the quiet, consistent presence of volunteers who make it all run smoothly.

As Community of Caring’s Laura Pagnotta shares, “I help out for picture day twice a year, guiding each class from kindergarten through fifth grade to the gym. I make sure their hair looks nice, remind them to smile big, and try to get coats and hoodies off before the photos—though I’ll admit, sometimes I fail at that.” In recognition of her dedication and cheerful service, Laura was recently awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her volunteer work.

Spending two to three hours each fall and spring, Laura supports students during both individual and class photo sessions. Fall tends to go quickly, but spring can stretch into a longer day with more moving parts. Even with the extra effort, the reward is clear: helping children feel their best in a moment that becomes a lifelong keepsake.

But this kind of care doesn’t stop at the school doors.

At Community of Caring, volunteers step up every day with generosity, compassion, and commitment. They stock our food pantry shelves, sort donations for the clothes closet and the Aspen Mine Center Gift Shop, prep for commodities day, and warmly welcome guests at our Wednesday lunches and Common Grounds Coffee Shop. In countless ways, they extend a helping hand to those in need; making sure no one feels forgotten, and no one goes without.

And in general volunteer programs, whether organizing community cleanups, mentoring youth, helping with holiday drives, or serving on committees, these individuals weave the fabric of a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Heart of Volunteering

Whether it’s helping a child smile on picture day, loading groceries into someone’s car, or spending hours organizing events and programs, volunteers make a difference in ways that often go unnoticed—but never unappreciated.

Here’s what their service brings to our community:

• Connection and Belonging: Volunteers bridge gaps and build relationships, creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where people feel seen and supported.
• Relief and Support: They offer practical help; giving overworked teachers, food pantry staff, and nonprofit leaders the boost they need to continue their critical work.
• Memories and Meaning: From school photos to pantry visits, volunteers help shape positive, lasting experiences that stay with people long after the moment has passed.
• An Inspiring Example: Every act of service, no matter how small, shows the next generation what kindness and responsibility look like in action.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To every volunteer, whether you’re brushing a child’s bangs aside on picture day, restocking cans in a food pantry, or quietly doing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps essential programs running, Thank You. You are the backbone of our schools, our neighborhoods, and our community.

Your time matters. Your kindness matters. And your impact lasts far longer than you may ever realize.