down syndrome association of greater st. louis: to benefit the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families through individual and family support, education, public awareness and advocacy
meet volunteer paige brune of chesterfield
How long have you been a volunteer?
A little more than three years.
What made you interested in this particular cause?
I was drawn to the organization because I like to make a difference in the lives of people who have Down syndrome like me.
What kind of volunteer work are you involved with?
I have many different volunteer jobs. One is working on the birthday card program. Everyone with Down syndrome in the greater St. Louis area receives a special birthday card, and I color and address the cards for the mail. I work on other special mailings, organize supplies, greet guests when they arrive, file, update the resource library, prepare for special events and help with other various projects as assigned.
If you could do anything for the organization, what would it be?
My dream come true for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis would be for the organization to always recognize and include the different aspects of Down syndrome. People can also have diagnoses like autism, hearing and visual impairments, and ADHD, and I hope all those people will continue to be included.
in the words of the down syndrome association: “Paige is an invaluable volunteer. She has Down syndrome, and it’s just one of the many things that make her special. She is incredibly bright, sensitive, compassionate and hard-working. She volunteers in the office 10 hours a week and keeps the rest of the staff organized and on-task! Paige has a hearing impairment and is fluent in American sign language, so we started a weekly video blog, Signing with Paige, as a way to teach parents and children common signs to use at home. She is always on time and ready to help with any project. She is a true ambassador of our organization in the community, at events, online and when visitors come to our office.”
our wish list
» Large, poster-sized sticky note pads
» Paper folding machine
» New or refurbished iPads
» Gift cards for grocery stores, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart
» Baskets for use in silent auctions
» Toys appropriate for infants through 1-year-olds
» Colored paper
» Stamps
» Sticky name tags
» Hanging file folders
» Office furniture (desk, bookshelves, filing cabinet)
* All donations will be acknowledged with a letter indicating your tax deductible gift.
We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring our mission to life! We could use volunteers specifically for the following:
March 19: Relay and Run for 21 Half Marathon
June 4: Step Up for Down Syndrome (SUDS)
June 5-9: Spotters for the annual Lydia Faith Cox Memorial Bike Camp
» Employment Initiative Corporate Advisory Board: periodic in-person and phone meetings to connect individuals with Down syndrome to paid, meaningful employment
» Office assistance
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography