At Mary’s Center, we rely on the valuable support of our volunteers who give their time and energy to a variety of programs – from helping to sort donated books to packing Thanksgiving meal kits for our participants. We welcome volunteers of all ages, so we were thrilled when Gabi Green showed an interest in supporting Mary’s Center at only eight years old!
Gabi’s initial volunteer experience with Mary’s Center was several years ago in conjunction with our annual holiday toy collection. Along with her family, Gabi helped collect and sort toy donations to give out to children who may not have otherwise received a present during the holiday season. Gabi expanded her involvement with Mary’s Center by attending our previous fundraising events with her parents, and even partnering with us to provide homemade soap for our frontline staff members during the initial months of the pandemic when soap and hand-sanitizer were sparse.
Community service is a core value within Gabi’s family. Her mother, Viviana Lopez Green, cites her immigrant background and passion for giving back as motivators for their whole family being involved with Mary’s Center over the years.
“I am an immigrant myself [from Colombia] and I can relate to some of those needs and what that kind of support means for those families,” Viviana shared. “I think it is important for the kids to see that those services are there and what it takes to provide them. They see the warmth of the staff and the holistic nature of the programs. I really think Mary’s Center becomes almost like an extended family for participants and I am glad we can be a part of that.”
When Viviana’s husband (and Gabi’s father) Shane passed away from cancer in early 2020, their family’s connection to Mary’s Center became even more special. “I have all these great memories of sorting the donated toys with him Mary’s Center,” said Gabi. “I have a signed photo of the famous soccer player Pelé that he won for me at the Mary’s Center Gala. By volunteering with Mary’s Center, I continue to feel a connection with my dad.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent cancellation of in-person volunteer events, Gabi went out of her way to continue supporting Mary’s Center through these unprecedented times. In March 2020, Gabi started her own initiative called Soaps for a Purpose. Inspired by the hospital workers that helped her father during his months of cancer treatment, she wanted to give back to healthcare workers during this difficult time by providing them with homemade soaps and messages of encouragement.
Mary’s Center was one of the first organizations Gabi selected to receive the donations of soap. “I immediately thought of Mary’s Center because of my previous years of volunteering,” said Gabi. “I wanted the soap to go to places where I had a personal connection. Since Mary’s Center kept their doors open the entire pandemic and never stopped helping those in need, I wanted to express my gratitude.” With the help of 30 plus classmates who helped provide the supplies and make the soaps, Gabi traveled to multiple Mary’s Center sites, distributing 350 soap packages to our frontline workers in May 2020.
Now 14 years old, Gabi shared that she is excited to apply what she has learned while volunteering with Mary’s Center to future experiences. She credits Mary’s Center for helping her “build the confidence to connect with a wider community in my own city and knowing where I’m needed most.” Mary’s Center is extremely thankful for Gabi’s contributions and the dedication of the entire Lopez Green family.
Mary’s Center is grateful to each of our wonderful, dynamic volunteers who have stood by us over the years. Please stay tuned for additional information about future volunteer opportunities.