"Our family started volunteering with Tucson Family Volunteers because we wanted to do something to help + give back to the community we live in + love. It was important for me to include my children in volunteer projects to instill in them an understanding of the value of service to others + the land where we live," says mom. 

 

From the first project the Ponchahar Family participated in - a park cleanup - the Ponchahar kids have loved volunteering + have been enthusiastic  participants since.

 

"We've been made aware of the wide variety of needs that are in our community. We’ve learned of organizations + communities we would never have known of - ones that have really piqued our interest + have sparked a desire to become more involved with." The Family always has fun when participating in volunteer projects, including meeting new friends + doing new things! 

 

Their favorite volunteer projects have been wheelchair games, Diaper Bank bundling + preparing food for Ronald McDonald House guests. The Ponchahar kids have also loved handing food to the people + pets inside cars during the drive-through Market On The Move projects. "Interacting with the folks we're helping is our favorite," says mom. 

​

"We have learned many things from our volunteer experiences, the top being that you never know what someone might be going through or how challenging life might be for some, despite their outward appearance. We've learned how energizing + fulfilling it is to do for others + our earth - to help in the ways we can, big + small."

 

"Doing this work always brings us back to gratitude for our blessings + for our earth that provides us with so much. These experiences have helped shape all of us into more caring, compassionate, thoughtful members of our community."