Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - January 2026

Donna Kaemingk is the January “Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month!” When Hillary nominated her, she said “.” Donna is on the Logistics Team, as well as being a member of the team for Service Enterprise reaccreditation and a Art is in the Air volunteer. Her commitment and hard work are always appreciated on Work Days. On days when Donna is an Extreme Teams volunteer, she can be seen checking in volunteers, selling merchandise, and serving lunch. Keep reading to hear more from Donna about her experience with Extreme Community Makeover.

How did you first hear about Extreme Community Makeover?

Donna first heard about ECM in the early days when Angela was telling local churches about volunteering. “I knew it was out there. At the time, I had a lot of other stuff going on and I didn't have time to get involved.” Then when she retired in 2019, Donna volunteered as an individual before joining the Logistics Team.

What is something unique you have experienced on a Work Day?

Many of the members of the Extreme Teams have mentioned that volunteering with ECM draws them in because of the wide variety of people who are able to participate, and Donna also mentioned this. “Such a wide range of groups from businesses to individuals to high school kids touring the United States…as a day progresses, they start to understand that little speech at the beginning of the day. What reaching out and making a connection with a neighbor is all about.” The connections made during Work Days are a highlight for Donna. She enjoys getting to hear the conversations that happen over lunch when groups reconvene, particularly with the high school aged volunteers. “It’s really neat to see that little light and that little spark starting. And they'll come back at lunchtime, and talk about, “I did this” and “wow, the resident said this to me.” That kind of interaction, it's neat to see those kids pick up on it.”

Do you have a favorite story about volunteering with ECM?

During one of her first Work Days with ECM (don’t ask what year, she doesn’t know,) ECM completed a backyard project for a mom and her young kids who all lived with their grandparents. “They were living with Grandpa, and had been helping Grandpa, but due to Mom having given birth just a month or two before, she hadn't been able to do any of the outside yard work.” The work the volunteers was not unusual for ECM, but the scene at the end of the day sticks out to Donna. “When we left, she had her toddler playing in the swimming pool, little wading pool. She was sitting there reading a book, and the baby was asleep in the house with Grandpa. And it was just a great feeling. Along the way, that's the one that sticks out. The place looked nicer when we left and the family was very happy.”

How do you see ECM making an impact in Denver neighborhoods? 

Donna has been able to see the impact ECM makes on Denver neighborhoods at Work Days, but also through her work as a member of the Service Enterprise team. She points out that there is a visible impact with the work completed, but the relationships stick out to her more. “I think neighborhoods and individuals who need help often can feel forgotten, and that's one way of showing them that people outside their neighborhood care for them. That neighbor to neighbor connection.”

How do you see the Logistics Team making an impact during Work Days?

Donna is part of a team that makes sure Work Days run smoothly. In the morning, Logistics is in charge of checking people in and making sure everyone has signed waivers. The impact of the paperwork is unseen by the volunteers, but it makes a huge difference behind the scenes. “ For individuals who need volunteer hours certification or validation, it's very easy to provide them with that, as well as documenting for whatever group wants to know, how many hours have been done? How many alleys? How many residents on an individual basis have been helped?” She also points out the importance of lunch, which is needed for volunteers to recharge and socialize. “It's strengthening the bond of the group within themselves, by providing that setting to happen.” Donna has also had experience filling in for other Extreme Teams, including Photography and Projects. The most important role of the Logistics Team is “just being there to make sure that they help make sure the day goes smoothly and is a good one for volunteers.”

Donna has volunteered at Art is in The Air many years.

She has the important job of preparing the food.

Congratulations Donna!

Congratulations to Donna 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 February to see who Donna nominated to be the next Volunteer of the Month!