Kathy McKinney

Most people have heard the expression, "It takes a village to raise a child," but not too many people stop to think that it takes hard work, co-operation, and dedication by a lot of people to operate a successful not-for-profit organization. One reason is that a for-profit business usually is able to hire professional, full-time staff members, while a non-profit business frequently relies on volunteers to perform many of the day-to-day tasks that are necessary in order to insure a successful operation. Staff members and the development team at The Bridge Youth & Family Services depend on the services of their volunteers to augment and supplement the work of the professional staff, and for the last 15 years Kathy McKinney has been contributing her time, talents, and energy to help out at this Palatine agency that serves children, adolescents, and families. "I get far more out of my volunteer work than I give," McKinney said. The Bridge is such a wonderful organization; I love what they do to help children and families. I feel that the time I give frees up the staff so that they are able to devote more of their time to serving the needs of the children The staff is so appreciative, and they all are very nice to me. I am looking forward to continuing there as long as I am able."

“Kathy is one of the most dependable volunteers we have,” said Nancy Kukankos, Supervisor of Prevention and Volunteer Services. “She pitches in whenever, and wherever help is needed, and the development team at The Bridge knows it can always call on Kathy to help prepare for its major events. Whether it's packing items for the golf outing or dinner dance, proof reading signs for programs or auction tables, or setting up and decorating a room for a special celebration, Kathy always volunteers to help. The office is a happier place when she is here; she greets staff with a cheerful hello and warm hugs, and even brings in special treats for everyone to share.”

The Bridge was a much smaller organization when McKinney first began volunteering with them, and she volunteered 20 hours a week helping with typing, filing, mailings, and other office work. Over the past 15 years she prepared packets for board members, and even copied, collated, stamped and mailed the organization's newsletter. Currently, she still works 6 – 20 hours a month preparing their large mailings and performing a wide variety of clerical tasks, and whatever else is needed.

When her children were young, McKinney volunteered at their school, and also looked after her Mother who was in a nursing home. For the past ten years she has also volunteered at Sanborn School where she started helping with a reading program and currently volunteers in the Resource Center. This busy lady enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and reading in her spare time.

McKinney and her husband, Dean, reside in Palatine, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of two girls, Susan and Amy; three boys, David, Dean and Paul, and five grandsons. She urges everyone to get involved in some type of volunteer work because, “it's a wonderful thing to do, and the need is so great for people to help those in need.”

For information concerning the hundreds of rewarding volunteer assignments that are available in your area contact The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago at 847-228-1320 (all ages) or the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (seniors 55 years of age or better) at 847-228-1006, or check their website www.volunteerinfo.net.

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