Christmas comes just once a year, but for CapFed® Vendor Management Analyst Shelly Bronson, she makes sure it comes twice. Shelly is the CapFed coordinator and captain for Topeka’s Christmas in Action – a grassroots organization whose mission is to enable elderly homeowners to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.
We asked Shelly some questions about how she got involved with Christmas in Action and the teamwork it takes to renovate a home.
How did you get involved with Christmas in Action?
Shortly after I joined Capitol Federal®, I received an email asking for volunteers to help with Christmas in Action. I’d heard of the program but had not previously worked for a company that participated. Having extensively remodeled four of my own homes, and having helped a friend restore their 1904 Queen Anne Victorian home, I thought I might be able to lend a helping hand.
I also knew the co-workers who were participating were wonderful colleagues, and I thought it’d be a great way to give back on behalf of the Capitol Federal team. It was so much fun, I promptly volunteered my fiancé to join the team. His 30+ years of contractor experience, 15+ years on the board of a rural senior housing authority, and his giving spirit were a perfect fit, especially when we took on the most extensive house project to date this spring.
Tell me about the teamwork that goes into these projects.
Our Christmas in Action volunteers range from skilled, hobbyists and newbie talents. On-the-job training takes place at all levels – it’s a great place to learn new skills, improve existing ones and work alongside professionals. In a few instances, we will Google how to do something and put it into action right on the job site! We all work together, laugh and have fun.
Communication with our team is key for safety. Everyone needs to understand the type of work that’s needed, work assignments and tools coordination. The site prep is often needed prior to the day of work, so it’s not limited to just a single day of work – a great deal of time and people go into each home.
How is volunteering with Christmas in Action rewarding?
Volunteering with Christmas in Action is an excellent opportunity to give back to your community by putting your skills to work on behalf of low-income, elderly homeowners who need to maintain their safety and independence. You see the transformation literally right before your eyes. After finishing the project, whether it was fixing a leaky roof, updating plumbing or repairing faulty wiring, seeing the gratitude and appreciation of the homeowners is immeasurable. There is laughter, tears and hugs that aren’t found with some other types of donations or volunteering.
Thank you, Shelly, for being True Blue® and volunteering with Christmas in Action!
To volunteer or donate to Christmas in Action in Topeka, call (785) 272-0749.
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