Welch greets donors with warmth, grace

• Reprints

Laura Welch, administrative assistant at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, works with volunteers at the West Lake Avenue office. | | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 3, 2012 8:40AM

What started as steady volunteerism eight years ago has segued into a customer service position as a receptionist at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook.

So it’s likely Laura Welch’s smiling face will greet you if you stop in at the McLennan Center for Youth at 3080 W. Lake Avenue near the Glen.

“I have met remarkable people through my work and volunteering at Youth Services,” said Welch, who has two grown sons with her husband Doug, a consultant.

“These amazing individuals are truly dedicated to serving others in so many capacities.”

Said Welch: “I am in awe of our weekly volunteers that share their time and talents to help with office duties and with our after school clubs to name a few.”

While Welch mostly greets and handles reception work, she also helps to “coordinate clerical volunteers or other non-child supported work at the agency.

“For example, during the spring, summer and fall, we will have corporate groups come and share their time for our much needed weeding and gardening chores,” Welch explains.

“We have a lovely library, outfitted with donated computers and a variety of children and young adult books of many genres.

“We need assistance with the library book organizing,” she says, suggesting one of many Youth Services volunteer opportunities.

No child is turned away due to the family’s inability to pay for Youth Services programs.

“I first became involved with Youth Services through family friends,” said Welch.

She heard about Glenview resident Jessica Garvey, who, with the support of her family, created the YOUth Make a Difference 5K Run/Walk almost eight years ago.

“We joined the race committee and through this great ongoing community event, learned more about the agency, met many incredible neighbors who came to support the agency and all the while enjoying a healthy and fun activity,” said Welch.

“I feel really blessed to have a caring community that not only feels the calling to financially support others, but does so with sincere action.

“My entire family has volunteered for this Run/Walk as marshals for the runners and walkers,” Welch added.

“We enjoy working as a team for a great cause.”

The recent Holiday Gift Program once again served many last December.

“We received a message from a local mother whose children were recipients of holiday (program) gifts from the generous donors in our community,” said Welch, who resides in The Glen.

“Her heartfelt thanks for making the holidays brighter for her children during this financially challenging time for their family is testimony of what an amazing community we live in.

“She really wanted to thank us and all those that were a part of this program for all of their efforts.

“I wish that all who help make this program successful, from the generosity of NIPSTA who share their facility for the program, all of the donors and volunteers, could read this message,” Welch urged.

“All who contribute, in any capacity, for this program, make a difference for others.”

Visit http://www.youthservices-gn.org/index.html.