This LCSNW Santa’s helper inspires everyone touched by her volunteer spirit
This is one in a series of volunteer spotlight stories by Volunteer Manager Alex Power.
Every program has one person you can count on for just about anything—and for Santa for Seniors, that person is Kathy Shank. No task is too small — or too unexpected — for this dedicated LCSNW volunteer.
Kathy’s willingness to take on all the odd jobs makes her an essential part of the LCSNW team in the Tacoma area.
Six years ago, Kathy found herself with too much time on her hands and wanted to get involved with her community. While volunteering with another LCSNW program, she saw an ad for Santa for Seniors in a newsletter and loved the idea of “giving back to someone who she never met. Having clients know that someone out there is thinking of them.”
Santa for Seniors is an LCSNW program in our Greater Puget Sound District. It works to bring joy to isolated seniors through meaningful gifts, providing resources and building community awareness. One thing that Kathy wants people to know is that Santa for Seniors is “not just during Christmas, but all year.”
Santa for Seniors is also a volunteer site for Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), an AmeriCorps Seniors program providing a diverse range of activities for volunteers 55 years and older.
Throughout her time volunteering, Kathy has painted ornaments, put together card kits, assembled holidays gift bags, created tags and cards, and packed boxes for delivery. Kathy provides immense support for the Santa for Seniors staff who say she’s willing to help with any task, bringing positive attitude and joy to the office every time she stops by.
In 2024, Kathy decorated 1,000 ornaments personally. She said it “gave her something to do at home and it’s something she hopes (gift recipients) really enjoy.”
“Every day that I’m here is really enjoyable! The staff is so welcoming. They are good at explaining things and setting me up for success. It’s always so much fun.”
Kathy didn’t realize how much she would gain from volunteering – “nothing tangible, just a feeling,” she said – which keeps pushing her to get involved and continue supporting Santa for Seniors.
Santa for Seniors and LCSNW are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart that Kathy brings to our community. Volunteers like her truly help spread joy all year.
Interested in volunteering for LCSNW?
Please go to our volunteer webpage at https://lcsnw.org/make-a-difference/volunteer/ or email [email protected]
Interested in Santa for Seniors?
Please go to our Santa for Seniors webpage at https://lcsnw.org/program/santa-for-seniors/
