Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - May 2026

May 25

China Cole is the May “Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month! When Shodan nominated her, he said “I see her at almost every event.” China is on the Communications Extreme Team and also spoke at this year’s Spring Kickoff event. Her commitment and hard work are always appreciated on Work Days. On days when China is an Extreme Teams volunteer, she can be seen working on the Facebook and Instagram stories and interviewing volunteers. Keep reading to hear more from China about her experience with Extreme Community Makeover.

**How did you first get involved in Extreme Community Makeover?**
China has been on the Communications Team for two years now, but she got involved with ECM initially as an individual. “I work in nonprofits and I do a lot of service work…I love the intentionality behind the collaboration within the neighborhood and with the residents on those projects and bringing everyone together. I like the idea of doing something more tactical too, being outside, getting my hands dirty, and then being able to see the projects from start to finish.” After her first Work Day, she went to a Volunteer Happy Hour event to learn more.

What is your favorite story about connecting with volunteers?

The Communications Team specializes in collecting stories, so naturally China has a few to share. Last year, ECM completed a project in a backyard where the resident had “found out about ECM from the nearby neighbor who had worked with ECM. We'd gotten all the rocks out of her yard and then Dawn repurposed those rocks. And that was really cool just to see the ripple effect out in the community and hearing how different people get connected.” China also got to experience her first Go: Westwood event this year, which was full of highlights for her. “It was really cool to meet people who were so excited to be there. They had been looking forward to this because it's something that they do every single year. Some of them have been volunteering at this event for the past twelve years. I loved the assembly that we had at the beginning of the day where some community members gave a baile folklórico performance. It was really amazing to see how ECM really highlights the culture and values of the local community that they're serving.”

**How do you see the Communications Team making an impact?**

China sees the Communications Team as a team that builds and highlights connections. “I'm really capturing the day and telling the stories of the work that's being done and everyone's contribution. Being able to capture all of that is really important, because each day is unique, as well as the people who are involved and the people that we’re serving.” She continues to enjoy her time spent with ECM. “I genuinely look forward to the upcoming Work Days that I've signed up for, because I don't always know what to expect or who I'm going to meet.”

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

“I mean, obviously, there's the physical projects that are being done, but I think beyond that, the connection is huge. Bringing people together that might not necessarily cross paths.” Though China has only been volunteering for three seasons, she recognizes the long term relationships ECM is building. “Continuing to go back to these same neighborhoods every year and showing up for them, they expect it now. I think they truly do feel cared for by the organization and by their neighbors. That goes a long way, and I think it is really needed right now when so many people are so isolated and just generally divided.”