Volunteers Help Us Grow

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, the staff at Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) realize they have a lot to appreciate. Last year, CSCCNJ volunteers worked over 4,300 hours, saving the organization over $100,000. This enabled the organization to use those funds to improve the lives of the cancer patients and their loved ones who they serve.

The volunteers range in age from the young--age 12--to the young at heart--over 80 years old--helping out by greeting participants at reception; completing mailings and general office work; maintaining the meditation gardens; and planning programs and events.

“There are volunteers, and then there’s our volunteers,” says Dawn DiPietro, volunteer coordinator at CSCCNJ, “Their passion and dedication for our mission is evident in their work, they don’t just show up to do a job. They do so because they are passionate about making a difference”

According to the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Appreciation Week was established in 1974. Every year, organizations recognize the tireless effort of the volunteers who help make their work possible. At CSCCNJ in Bedminster, NJ, it is no different.

“Our volunteers help create a welcoming space when participants walk through the door,” says DiPietro, “They represent us in the community and are an extension of our mission.”

Two volunteers in particular, Laura and Julia Regnault (pictured above), have made their own impact through volunteering. After finding out about CSCCNJ through a newspaper ad, they volunteered to assist at the annual Wings of Hope event that celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day.

Today, Laura and Julia are an integral part of the Wings of Hope Committee and you can find them each year at the Journey Tent, which honors and supports CSCCNJ’s participants regardless of where they are on their cancer journey. In addition, they participate in outreach events, even giving up their Sunday to help promote CSCCNJ in the community. They sacrifice hours of personal time outside of work and other commitments to help make events like Wings of Hope successful and do so with enthusiasm and a winning attitude.

DiPietro says, “While we have many volunteers who help make our mission possible, as our organization expands, so does our need for more volunteers.”

Volunteer opportunities include assisting at large events, such as Wings of Hope and Inspiring Hope Gala, and a Spring Golf Outing in partnership with Giving Hope Network. In addition, CSCCNJ welcomes any volunteers with fun ideas to benefit cancer patients, their families, and caregivers.

Because CSCCNJ is thankful for their volunteers, not just during Volunteer Appreciation Week, they are hosting a Volunteer Recognition Day on April 26th at their Bedminster location. Many of the volunteers will be there to enjoy the warmth, camaraderie, and support they share with participants every day.

Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey ensures that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. So that no one faces cancer alone.®

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer coordinator, Dawn DiPietro, at ddipietro@cancersupportcnj.org.

Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) are experts in oncology mental health. The organization provides support, education, and hope to all people with cancer and their loved ones, so that no one faces cancer alone. Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes social and emotional support, CSCCNJ creates a supportive community to help individuals live with, through and beyond cancer. At no cost to patients, family members and caregivers, the organization delivers essential programs and services including individual and group support, educational workshops, nutrition and healthy cooking education, classes to enhance health and wellness and social activities for the entire family. For more information please visit their website at cancersupportcnj.org or call (908) 658-5400.