In The News
Everyday Heroes: Meet local folks making big differences in others' lives.
Eileen Krause, 53 - Parishioner at All Saints' Episcopal Chicago
Where do you volunteer?
Ravenswood Community Services' Tuesday night program, "Just Neighbors".
Time commitment?
Every Tuesday from 4-8pm; I've been doing it almost five years now. And then there's of course other hours of running around organizing, cleaning up, etc.
So what do you do?
I'm the CHO-Chief Hug Officer. I hug people. We have a ragtag group of people who show up and do stuff, so I will help if needed. But my main focus is getting to know the folks-listening to them, finding out what's going on with them, just touching base.
Best/worst volunteering moment: Best Moment: each Tuesday night when we open the door. The diverse community that shows up is never boring, and there is always a joy or a challenge. I am humbled and blessed to be part of it. Worst moment: when it's 10 degrees out and I know that some of our regulars who are homeless may not find a warm place to spend the night.
Why bother?
Maybe I am a Pollyanna. I believe in the power of love and caring for one another. I see no other option for healing our world but to take the risk, to get involved and to show up. I'm not curing cancer; I'm giving hugs. I'm listening to people's stories. I am making myself available and offering hope and encouragement. It is what I can do.