Shinnyo-en Chicago Temple chose October 28th as the second of their bi-annual “Family Service Event,” which happened to coincide with the national “Make a Difference Day” of 2017. Make a Difference Day is one of the largest annual single-days of service nationwide (www.makeadifferenceday.com).
The afternoon started with a sandwich lunch which allowed many participants an opportunity to introduce themselves, socialize, and enjoy fellowship.
One such participant, Nanci Vanderweel, has been an active supporter of the Family Service Event since its humble beginning in 2012. A former Elk Grove Township Supervisor, Nanci has also been a community leader serving on many boards – including the Community Character Coalition of Elk Grove of which Shinnyo-en is a member. Recently recognized by the Village of Elk Grove for her outstanding lifetime contributions, Shinnyo-en Chicago Temple and Shinnyo-en Foundation chose this day to also express their gratitude to Nanci for her long-standing support. As she was presented with a plaque by Rev. Fumio Ishizaka, Nanci gave sincere thanks to all and reminded us the meaning of volunteering and stressed the importance of supporting the community.
After the presentation, members then gathered at the various table stations ready to go to work. The receiving organizations for this Fall-Winter event were:
- The Buddy Foundation (fleece dog pull-toys with treat bags)
- DuPage Senior Citizens Council (decorated Christmas wreaths)
- Lutheran Home (goody bags with decorated cards-for senior residents)
- WINGS Shelter (chicken casserole kits)
- AMITA Hospice (crocheted prayer squares)
- The Honeycomb Project (rubber-stamped cards and wildflower seed-bombs
Many familiar faces and long-time participants took leadership in the setting-up, maintenance, and clean-up of the various stations and were able to complete projects in record time. However quick in action though, the participants were able to go home with their hearts full knowing they had made a difference within the community.
Thank you for all you who made this service event possible again! Please enjoy more photos at this link.