Tammy Hammortree gives her undivided attention to her Heartmate.
What it is like to be a Hephzibah volunteer? To say that volunteering brings joy and happiness into my life only begins to describe my experience.
The children at Hephzibah have become my teachers. Every experience I have had with them teaches me: to be a better person, to embrace life, and to look at the world through innocent eyes. Volunteering helps me see the beauty that is all around me, and to laugh and enjoy life.
Many of us were fortunate enough to have parents who worked hard to give us wonderful memories. Parents want to do the same and more for their own children. Stop for a moment and think what childhood memories are like for the children at Hephzibah. Although safe from harm, these children don’t get many chances to be kids. They miss out on the typical mainstays of childhood such as sleepovers and play dates.
Volunteering a couple of hours a week can help create wonderful, happy, long-lasting memories. These children can never erase their beginnings, but new experiences give them a chance to relax without the weight of adult burdens.
I have volunteered in many ways at Hephizbah – providing Sunday dinners, sponsoring group outings and serving as a Heartmate. Being a Heartmate has easily been my most challenging, rewarding, loving experience.
The girls that are my Heartmates have moved on from Hephzibah but we still get together once a week. Our motto is Heartmates for Life! My husband and I know that they will always be a part of our lives and we wouldn’t want it any other way. As they grow older we can only hope that the little bit we give them helps them become successful adults.
When I provide a Sunday supper, I enjoy getting the kids to try new and exciting foods. We have had Italian chicken sorrentino, German weiner schnitzel, and a good, old fashioned fried chicken and mashed potato dinner.  The children have eaten eggplant, imported cheeses, olives and more. They’re brave and curious – and surprise me time and time again!
On outings I love to see the Hephzibah kids enjoy just being kids. Whether it’s bowling or shopping, the smiles on their faces say it all.
Making time to volunteer has been such a rewarding choice. As adults we’re all occupied with our daily lives and concerns about work, home and family. With errands, meetings, and events, it seems there is never enough time in the day.
One of the accomplishments in my life I am most proud of is being a volunteer at Hephzibah. My experience at Hephzibah has been an amazing journey that I expect to last for many more years. I am thankful every day that I have gotten to meet such an awesome group of children and an amazing staff.
Sincerely,
Tammy Hammortree
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