Giving Hearts Day is about more than just one day; it’s about the ongoing efforts we make to create a lasting impact. This year, we raised over $15,000, including our company match, all of which will benefit the organizations we love within our community. We are fortunate to have so many employees who go above and beyond to make our community a better place.
One such person is Paul, a financial analyst at Kenny’s Candy & Confections. Paul is a bright light to everyone he meets—always smiling, always positive, and always ready to help others. Along with his wife, Krystina, a formulations specialist at Tuffy’s Pet Foods, they are dedicated to several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club here in Perham. The impact that the Boys and Girls Club has had on Paul and Krystina is truly inspiring. It’s incredible how meaningful these bonds can be.
Take a look at the story below, written by Paul, to learn more about his and Krystina’s time volunteering at the club.
From Quarterback Fumbles to Doll Fashion Triumphs: A Day Volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Perham
Volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Perham isn’t just rewarding, it’s also unpredictable. Take, for example, one of our first days volunteering when the weather was perfect for outdoor games. I had grand ambitions of channeling my inner Martin Gramatica, the celebrated kicker, as I joined the 4th graders for a game of football. Instead, they assigned me to be the all-time quarterback. Tom Brady, I was not.
Two interceptions and a slew of disastrous plays later, I found myself humbly demoted to the defensive lineup…and eventually sidelined altogether (side note: no one else got benched). Let’s just say that when the game ended and we walked back to the club, the conversation wasn’t exactly focused on my Hall-of-Fame-worthy QB skills.
Back at the club, the members moved on to snack time and, afterward, the much-anticipated “choice time.” This is when the kids get to dive into all sorts of fun (board games, card games, and activities galore). I was gearing up for a classic round of UNO when a young girl asked me to join her for a game. “Sure,” I said, expecting an innocent card game. Instead, I was whisked away into the world of doll fashion design.
If you’ve never had your fashion sense critiqued by a third grader, let me tell you: it’s humbling. My bold attempts at doll couture were met with kind but firm disapproval. Yet, despite my utter failure at creating high-end doll fashion, she assured me that she had fun, and honestly, so did I.
That’s the magic of the Boys and Girls Club. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up, having fun, and making new friends. Krystina and I love volunteering here because it’s a place where kids can thrive, laugh, and try new things (even if those things include teaching a volunteer how to be a better QB and fashion designer).
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering or giving back, now’s the perfect time. Consider donating to the Boys and Girls Club of Perham or supporting Giving Hearts Day. Your time, contributions, or both can help kids discover their own magic, and maybe teach you a few lessons along the way.