Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - April 2025
Sandra Walker is the April “Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month!” When Ginger nominated her, she said “Sandra’s really committed to being a member of the team. She has such a positive and encouraging attitude.” Previously Sandra was a member of the Logistics Team but for the 2025 season she is joining the Supplies Team, as it needed more members. Her flexibility and generosity is always appreciated on Work Days. In addition to being an Extreme Teams volunteer, Sandra is also a volunteer with the Good Neighbors program and a delivery driver for Supper Club. Keep reading to hear more from Sandra about her volunteer experience with Extreme Community Makeover.
Why did you decide to get involved in Extreme Community Makeover?
Sandra has been volunteering with ECM for three years. She had just moved to a new neighborhood in Denver and wanted to volunteer in the community. She found ECM on VolunteerMatch and liked the mission. “I really like places to look nice so when it was about cleaning alleys and people’s front yards, I thought that was right up my alley.” She then joined in volunteering for Supper Club and Good Neighbors, as well as volunteering at the Art is in the Air event.
Being on the Extreme Teams, Sandra gets to observe the relationships the volunteers build over the course of a work day. “I really like the camaraderie that is made.” Volunteering is a fun way to meet new people!
What is something unique that you have experienced during a work day?
Sandra likes to see the relationships that get built during the work days. “I see some of these young teenagers come and work. There will be three that don’t know each other. Then by lunchtime they’ve already started to bond. And then at the end of the day when I go by to help them out, they’re chatting and laughing.” This experience happens every Work Day and is not exclusive to one group, everyone gets to build relationships and have fun while helping others on an ECM Work Day.
What is your favorite story about connecting with a community partner, resident, or volunteer?
For the Good Neighbors program, Sandra is matched with Linda, a resident in the Barnum neighborhood. “I love Linda, she is the sweetest.” Sandra has been able to build a strong bond with Linda. Sandra has even introduced Linda to her mom, who has been experiencing health problems. Recently when Sandra went out of town, Linda offered to drive Sandra’s mom to the hospital or a doctor’s appointment if needed. “I’m supposed to be taking care of her! So I just thought that was the sweetest.”
In your perspective, how do you see Extreme Community Makeover making an impact in Denver neighborhoods?
Sandra loves the way that ECM can make a big difference in a day. “The before and after, I think it's making a big impact. I like curb appeal.” But more than that Sandra sees the difference that a Work Day can make to a resident who receives support. “They feel so much more proud of their home. They're just so grateful that someone has stepped up to help them for no cost.” To the Barnum, Elyria, Globeville, La Alma/Lincoln Park, Swansea, Villa Park, West Colfax, and Westwood neighborhoods, the impact is much more than visual. The volunteers demonstrate a commitment to helping others.
“I think volunteering is very important. Giving is better than receiving.”
Why do you think it is important / beneficial to volunteer?
Volunteering is an important part of Sandra’s life. “I think volunteering is very important. Giving is better than receiving. It really is true and every time I do anything with ECM or any of my volunteer works, I feel better for it.” ECM is glad to give Sandra some acknowledgment for her ongoing commitment to giving back.
Congratulations Sandra!
Congratulations to Sandra for being ECM’s Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month! Learn more about how you can also get involved in the Extreme Teams. Check back in May to see who Sandra nominated to be Volunteer of the Month!
