Volunteers of the Year - Dawn Butler and Liz Pritchard
Volunteers of the Year Dawn Butler (left) and Liz Pritchard
The Treasure Chest Foundation has named Dawn Butler of Palos Heights and Liz Pritchard of Crestwood its Volunteers of the Year for 2024. The prestigious annual award recognizes the hard work of the Foundation’s volunteers who serve on a regular basis.
The Treasure Chest Foundation is blessed to have some amazing volunteers who are dedicated, passionate individuals. Week in and week out these loyal workers “clock in” and help support our mission by sorting and processing toy donations, working on mailers and representing the Foundation. Dawn Butler and Liz Pritchard exemplify the Foundation’s wonderful volunteers.
“Dawn and Liz were two of the first ‘Treasure Chest people’ I met at the beginning of my time as the new Executive Director,” says Kendra Connor. “They were welcoming, kind and funny. Coming into a new place with a new position was nerve-wracking for me and they were such a help in making me feel comfortable. The more I have gotten to know them over the past year, the more I appreciate them and how much they do for the Foundation. Thank you Dawn and Liz for the time, effort, kindness and laughter you bring to the Treasure Chest Foundation.”
Both Dawn and Liz were grateful to receive this honor, and both shared with us some heartfelt feelings about their fellow volunteers, the current staff and their earliest interactions with Foundation founder and former CEO, Colleen Kisel.
Dawn: I first met Colleen at Foster School in Oak Forest when she gave a presentation about the Treasure Chest Foundation which she was starting. She shared the story about the lack of and poor shape of the toys in the Pediatric Units of the hospitals. Each year we would collect toys for the Treasure Chest and that still continues today as part of the Early Act service club held in School District #142.
Several years later I became involved as a volunteer helping in the Foundation’s warehouse. Today I help with toy sorting, making gift bags for the teens and putting together the raffle baskets for our events. There’s always plenty to do so our children can select a toy after their treatment. We hope they can have a smile as they go through their day. I won’t forget getting to know all our staff and volunteers and developing relationships with them. We are all here for the common purpose of caring for those children receiving cancer treatments.
Liz: I’m a member of the Crestwood Wellness Center and they hold a toy drive before Christmas every year. I had more toys after the holiday and asked if they would take them. I got the Treasure Chest Foundation’s number, called and talked to Colleen and was hooked. I realized how blessed I am and wanted to give back. I’ve made some new friends and strengthened already existing friendships. The Foundation has restored my faith in people’s kindness. I’ve had some amazing experiences getting to see the positive impact a toy can provide for young cancer patients. One such example is bringing toys to Hope Children’s Hospital (I’ve not been able to go inside but have been able to talk to the nurses.) Also, Foundation staff member Kim Perchez has been sharing photos of a young man battling cancer who was smiling as he showed off his Lego kit selected from the Treasure Chest.
I volunteer because of the people. I will always be in awe of Colleen—for her building this Foundation that helps all the kids—and for being such a kind and loving person. And because of Foundation staff members like . . .
Kim (R.A.) – Definitely knows her stuff, she’s kind, funny and gives her all.
Candace – You are the kookiest, fun-loving, “get it done” gal.
Jess – The quiet one – watch out, she’s got skills.
Kendra – Just getting to know you, however you scored big points for the baked potatoes. LOL
George – What a good guy, always with a smile!
Together they make an unbeatable team. They work their butts off but still have the time to make us laugh and smile. And to my fellow volunteers: Rita, Dawn, Carol, Diane and Dan—you all make the days fly by as we do what needs to be done, while having a blast. Thanks guys!
We are so honored that Liz and Dawn have chosen to volunteer their time with us. They are amazing volunteers and we could not do what we do without them!
Kendra Connor, Executive Director