Mercy Home receives so much support from our beloved volunteers in various programs that help over 650 abuse and neglected children striving for a brighter future. Read more to find out how they fell in love with Mercy Home and became such amazing friends to the home

Hands on Network: Laurie Hanson

How did you hear about Mercy Home?

I learned about Mercy Home when one of my best friends started to volunteer through the Hands on Network.

What was your motivation for getting involved at Mercy Home?

Deb Hoffman and Jeanne Schimeck reached out to their network of friends for simple donations throughout the year and I was thrilled to learn about the enormous impact they were making on so many girls and boys through their creativity, time, love and generosity.  Then Deb included my husband and I at their table at the Mercy Benefit in the fall.  Wow!  What an experience it was to hear the stories from the children who had grown and benefited from all that Mercy Home had afforded them at a time in their young lives when they had no one else who believed in them!!

What is your favorite thing about your volunteer role and why?

I can truly say that my favorite part of my volunteer role is that Deb and Jeanne take on a project, pass it on to us, and we are able to specifically shop and purchase items that are truly needed and loved by the kids that receive them. I feel incredibly fortunate to have raised three children with my husband at my side, a mother and father role for them, and that is what Mercy Home is able to do for the children in their care by some of my simple donations and/or time spent helping Deb and Jeanne.

What advice would you have for future Mercy Home volunteers?

My advice to future volunteers is that there is no donation too small or too big to help!! Everything comes from the heart, and with that being said, everything is received with joy and thanks. Although I have only been able to physically come to the home and help Deb and Jeanne on a few of their projects, I am always amazed at the dedication and hard work of everyone there. Mercy Home is an amazing journey for everyone connected with it, not just the boys and girls that are helped through their program.