Since 2021, Tammy has been lending her time and energy to events not only in West St. Paul but across Dakota County. Whether it’s helping with holiday gift wrapping, shredding events, or supporting community egg hunts, Tammy finds joy in giving back—and encourages others to do the same.
One of Tammy’s most beloved volunteer opportunities is the annual holiday gift wrapping event. “You can just see how excited the kids are to have found a gift for their dog or a family member,” she says. “They want specific wrapping paper or a bow to go with their gift. It’s so sweet.” Whether it’s the holiday wrapping or helping at shredding events, Tammy says the immediate feedback is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. “You’re filled with joy in that, in only a few minutes you’ve had a positive impact on their life,” she adds.
Tammy appreciates the variety of events she can participate in. “I like the variety but also the repetition of events,” she explains. Whether it’s stuffing eggs for an egg hunt or helping with outdoor clean-ups, the range of activities ensures that there’s something for everyone, no matter what your interests are. One of the most flexible opportunities is the Adopt-A-Park program. Once volunteers apply and adopt a park, they can help improve the environment on their schedule, making it easy to fit into daily life while still making a big difference.
Tammy believes that volunteering is more than just individual actions—it’s about creating a stronger, better community for everyone. She reflects on her father’s words: “Charity begins at home. If everyone gave back to their community, we would solve a lot of problems.” Tammy wants to continue volunteering as long as she can, believing that if everyone took the time to give back to their community, it would lead to positive change. “If you have the time, you should volunteer,” she says. “I work and volunteer in my community to make my community better.”
If you’re hesitant to jump into volunteering, Tammy has simple advice: “Take the leap.” She encourages people to pick events that align with their interests. “There’s something for everyone,” Tammy says. “You can volunteer indoors or outdoors, and you get to set the pace. If you’re busy, you can step back and rejoin when you can.” Volunteering is designed to fit around your schedule, making it easier than ever to give back, no matter how much time you have to spare.
Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, West St. Paul offers plenty of opportunities to volunteer and make a difference. So why not take that first step? There’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you! Visit wspmn.gov/volunteer.