This month’s pick for our Greystone Volunteer of the Month is Karen Pena! Karen is a Call Center Coordinator and an active volunteer in the Tampa Bay community. She is dedicated to many charitable efforts both inside and outside of our organization, and we couldn’t be more proud to have her in our Greystone family!

Q:  What was the first place you ever volunteered at, what was your first impression?
A:  First place I volunteered was when I was young, 9 or 10 years old. When I lived in Oregon my mother and sister volunteered at Migrant school for young children who spoke no English or had no means to get to school. This school was for migrant families who worked out in the field and we would supply them with the education, food and supplies that they would need each day while their families worked. Seeing all these kids at a young age allowed me to appreciate the small things in life that we take for granted each day.

Q:  What is your favorite memory of volunteering so far?
A:  My favorite memory has to be when we took our youth group on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

Q:  Who has had the biggest impact on you in the volunteering community and why?
A:  I would say my faith, being a follower of Christ prompts me to help others in need, reach out to the broken and love those who feel hopeless.

Q:  Favorite place to volunteer and why? 
A:  I love to volunteer at church because it opens the doors to so many other areas. Through the church I have been able to organize and coordinate the feeding of homeless, mission trips, Minister to women (from preschoolers – senior citizens), help in the nursery, clean up our town (Care Fest) and put together packets to help homeless people in need.

Q:  What advice would you give to someone that wants to start volunteering?     
A:  I would tell them to GO FOR IT! No matter how small the effort might seem, or how intimidating it might be, JUST DO IT!! It is such a great feeling when you put your own wants, needs etc. to the side and focus on others instead.It humbles you and makes you more appreciative of the blessings we have.

Q:  If you could start your own nonprofit organization what would it be, and why?
A:  I would start a place for women who have been abused physically, mentally and emotionally. To help them receive the help they needed to get back on their feet and be the strong women they were created to be.

Q:  Why do you think it’s important to volunteer?
A:  “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I believe that when you volunteer and put others first you are laying your life down for others.

Way to go, Karen!