A common theme among the volunteers working with Friends In Deed is the praise of their fellow volunteers, and that is no different with Lauren Cole. She originally came aboard after a recommendation from her neighbor and close friend. Her friend knew that Lauren had a background in event planning and asked her if she wanted to be a part of something special. After returning to school for a second degree and becoming a registered nurse, she was intrigued by her friend’s offer and joined the Annual Dinner Committee almost seven years ago.
Lauren’s work with FID includes taking the lead on the decorating committee and helping with the logistics of setting up and breaking down. She credits the group’s best ideas as coming from their time sharing thoughts, opinions, and bouncing ideas off one another.
“I really enjoy the friendship and spirit of the group. My favorite part of being involved with FID is seeing all our efforts contribute to the greater good of the community. There is a sense of personal reward knowing that another person or family has been elevated in some way,” she explains.
While she works on the Annual Dinner Committee, Lauren’s time with FID has afforded her a view of all the great work done by the organization including the Circles program.
“Although I am not directly involved with Circles, I have been so impressed with the stories recipients have shared as to how the program has assisted them. Getting out and staying out of poverty can be a daily struggle for some and the offer of furniture or paying to keep one’s electricity on may help in the short term but is not necessarily always the solution. To me, Circles provides not only socioeconomic guidance, but it creates a foundation of hope.”
Lauren praises the people she works with and would tell any interested people that it offers a time of fellowship while being a part of something that makes a difference.
“Quite honestly, I think I have benefited more from being a part of the Annual Dinner Committee than I have contributed. I have gotten to know some pretty fun, smart, and compassionate people that I enjoy spending time with. It has been an easy way for me to give back to my community, and I think it has also been important for my kids to see the work being done to enhance the lives of others.”