Meet Betsy Van Loon, long-time volunteer.  Here’s her story, in her own words.

One of the best things I have done in my life

Betsy Van Loon

I have been an active Gifts of Love volunteer for over ten years.  I currently help clients one morning per week in the Avon Office and also volunteer at the Holiday Shop in December.

My responsibility is to assist clients as they shop for clothing, housewares, and food in the pantry. These tangible goods are things our clients need to manage their households and budgets but I receive so much more in return; smiles, hugs, occasional tears and stories that humble and inspire me: the grandmother who is raising her grandchildren after her daughter was murdered;  the single mother who was impoverished by a brutal divorce and the volunteer team all had the joy of dressing her for her first day starting a well paying new job; the mother of young children who job shares with her own mother so they can take turns caring for a beloved family member with Downs Syndrome.

Many wonderful blessings and stories also come from the Holiday Shop at Christmas time. The tears came when I could help a single mother create a wonderful Christmas for her daughter after they were burned out of their apartment.  We could provide gifts, decorations, and enough gift cards to purchase a new bike for the daughter.  The most memorable story came when I volunteered on the last shift on December 23rd.  Once I locked up, the Holiday Shop was closed for the season, and there were still many gifts and toys left on the tables.  My last client was driven to the Holiday Shop by her older sister. The older sister was not a Gifts of Love client but had, that day, taken several children into her foster care.  A quick call to Nancy Carlson and we created Christmas for the foster children.  Miracles do happen.

I have a very blessed life, and Gifts of Love is my way to make my gratitude tangible in the world.  Being a Gifts of Love volunteer is truly one of the best things I have done in my life.