convenient locations are helpful to scheduling. Our goal with
LLH is to lay the groundwork and assist our members with
getting satisfaction out of helping and giving.”
LLH has helped more than 1,000 local organizations over
the years, some just once and others repeatedly. The repeat
events have been successful, either because many members
show up to help or because the organization has expressed
great satisfaction with the outcome.
“One of our most successful projects has been our ser-
vice at the DuPage Convalescent Center,” Wollenberg says.
“We visit, serve the residents pizza and provide them with
entertainment. One year, a retired judge came and played his
accordion. And for the past two years another member has
brought his daughters, and they played the violin.”
This annual service project also is Marchese’s favorite
event. “Some of these people never get visitors,” he says.
“They’re just thrilled to have someone sit and talk with them.
You see them in a challenged state, yet they are happy with
something simple. You volunteer there, you go home and are
so grateful for your family.”
Linda Gray, executive director of the DuPage Convalescent
Center, agrees. “We absolutely love LLH,” she says.“Our
residents look forward to this project every year. They are so
happy that this group of volunteers takes the time to visit
with them.”
Another recurring project is the Humanitarian Service Proj-
ect ( www.humanitarianservice.org), for which Karole Ketter-
ing serves as founder and executive director. Like most LLH
service projects, this one benefits a local organization Wol-
lenberg called 10 years ago. “LLH offered to volunteer in any
way,” Kettering says. “We describe the opportunities we have
available, and they show up to do whatever we need. They are
invaluable. It’s wonderful how the volunteers make the wheels
go round; we couldn’t do it without them.” In fact, Ketter-
ing says last year was especially critical, as the organization
lost many sponsors because of the poor economy. “LLH has
been consistent in their support. They stay with us and they
are loyal. That is very generous because it truly takes a com-
munity.”
As the program has progressed, ensuring consistent sched-
uling of service projects each month has helped LLH’s suc-
cess. When Wollenberg plans each project, she tries to set it
for the third Thursday of the month. “It becomes a routine.
People know what to expect and to put it on their calendars,”
Monahan says. “One time, I forgot to send a reminder e-mail
and I received a phone call from a member, asking what LLH
was doing that month. So people do know about LLH and
look forward to the projects.”
One project that LLH volunteers especially look forward
to — so much so that it’s become an annual event — is the
November Coat Drive. In 2010, LLH set a record by collect-
ing approximately 2,000 coats and distributing them to 12
local charities. “I love the coat drive because we see a lot
more participation,” Wollenberg says. “We order food for
everyone, and it is a party atmosphere, generating a lot of
camaraderie. Everyone is together for one cause.”
Having Wollenberg organize LLH events and Monahan,
who is in the office every day, manage the program has
worked well. “We need a planner and we need a contact
person,” Marchese says. “Sometimes a charity will cancel,
so you do need an available contact person — a staff liaison
— who is actively participating.” On the other hand, some
charities have requirements or conditions, such as not allow-
ing children. “We also need a person who’s on top of all the
rules.”
Strengthening the Case
As LLH continues to grow, DCBA has prioritized even greater
staff support and more event publicity. In fact, part of
Monahan’s role as executive director is getting the word out
about the program and increasing participation in it.
