Giving back to the community is a family affair in St. Charles County.
The Gettemeier Family
Brian and Rachel Gettemeier have passed along a love for community with their teenage daughters (Grace, 17, and Claire, 15). For years, the family volunteered at Sacred Heart Catholic School and Incarnate Word Academy. Rachel was a Girl Scout leader, room mom and coach. She chaired book fairs, the fall festival and the annual school picnic.
“The community that we are involved in gives so much to us. Our family wants to have the opportunity to give back,” says Brian.
The family also helps out at events for Cottleville Firefighter Outreach (CFO). CFO, comprised of about 80 active volunteers including firefighters, their families and local supporters, is funded by donations, fundraising events and corporate sponsorships. The nonprofit puts 100% of its proceeds into programs that support safety and wellness in the community.
“Many of our events are manpower intensive, and having dozens of volunteers that can donate entire days of labor is what makes them possible and allows us to generate proceeds to support our mission,” says Garrett Ryan, executive director of Cottleville Firefighters Outreach.
The Litteken Family
Eric and Karen Litteken have always brought their four children (Taylor, 19; Cole,17; Grant, 15, and Jack, 9) with them to serve the community. Through volunteering at Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, school and sporting activities at Francis Howell and Cottleville Firefighters Outreach, the couple has led by example.
“I learned to give without expecting anything in return, and I want that experience for my children,” says Eric, who started volunteering as a child with his dad and uncle.
The Nave Family
The Nave family has been volunteering for the Adopt-a-Family program at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service for the last five years. John and Bridget and their three children (Connor, 16; Zachary, 16, and Mackenzie, 12) have found the program to be a great way to contribute to the community and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
“Working together brings us closer to each other and makes us all appreciate the family and what we have,” says Bridget, whose family is also active in their church and school. “We feel connected to the Adopt-a-Family program through our church, which fulfills our desire to allow others to experience the joy of Christmas.”
Jack Lipin, executive director of the nonprofit agency, says they would not be able to meet the needs of the 500 low-income families who are adopted each Christmas without the help of many volunteers.
“From planning, donating, matching families with donors, wrapping and unloading cars to reloading cars and pushing carts filled with gifts, it simply could not be pulled off without volunteers. Volunteers are a true blessing,” says Jack.
And while volunteers are giving back to the community, they are also getting something in return.
“When we look back on all of the things we have volunteered for and the experiences we've had, I see how much growth and kindness my children have developed. Service for others builds character and selflessness. Seeing how what we do can impact another life is a powerful life lesson,” says Eric.
Bridget hopes her children understand the importance of working together in the community.
“I hope that my children realize how fortunate they are to be able to have the things they do and the ability to help others,” says Bridget. “I hope they gain a better understanding of the importance of being active, contributing members of the community. We all need to work together to make our community a positive place to live.”