Volunteer builds home for amputee

Did You Know?Chattanooga’s 125,000 volunteers serve 19 million hours per year. That’s an estimated economic contribution of $373 million to the community.Source: United Way Volunteer Center

Trendsetters in volunteeringName: Jessica ClarkVolunteer Placement: Creative Discovery MuseumClaim to fame: As a participant in the Museum Apprentice Program, Jessica works in the exhibits, helps with events, leads other volunteers in projects. She has logged more than 800 hours since 2005.Quote: “Jessica is excellent at interacting with guests and interpreting exhibit components as well as taking on a wide variety of projects necessary at the CDM.” — Kate Skonberg, Creative Discovery Museum.Name: Kathleen RussellVolunteer Placement: Crabtree FarmsClaim to fame: Developed children’s “green” education program, called Nest, and provides education assistance at Crabtree Farms during kids’ fields trips.Quote: “Kathleen serves the community by supporting green education for children, as well as coordinating a volunteer group that works toward educating others on cooking with fresh food at the Main Street Market. She brings people together with common interests to accomplish goals together.” — Melanie Mayo, Crabtree Farms.Name: Evelyn WebbVolunteer Placement: 21st Century Child Development Center.Claim to fame: Interacts with infants who are parented by teen mothers or single parents and teaches parenting skills to young parents.Quote: “Many of the infants where Ms. Webb volunteers have parents who are from home settings that are unstable, and many of the parents may not have had examples of committed, nurturing mothers or fathers. Ms. Webb has an uncanny way of advising young mothers about childrearing issues. She never makes the parents feel they are inadequate.” — Angela Hayes, 21st Century Child Development Center.