DuPagePads honors 2 outstanding volunteers

Posted June 30, 2015 1:00 am

DuPage PADS

DuPage PADS has named the recipients of its Volunteer of the Year awards. Adult winner Gerald Massie and youth winner Mario Jayes were nominated by peers and selected by a committee.

Gerald Massie

"What makes Gerald inspirational is his passion for service and his spirit of camaraderie," one nominator wrote.

As a site coordinator for Trinity Episcopal Church, Massie recruits and coordinates volunteers from his congregation. In addition to his clear communication style and thoughtful email reminders, Massie often goes above and beyond when there is an identified need.

He has done it all: covering shifts for volunteers who have last-minute emergencies, picking up clean bedding from hospitals, providing extra food when needed and scrubbing sleeping pads.

Consistently serving others out of a spirit of hospitality and care, Massie even purchases cakes for participants who are celebrating a birthday.

"When our church hosts a night for DuPage PADS, upward of 60 volunteers take part, all giving something of themselves one way or another," Massie said. "It inspires me to feel a part of a community that is committed to the welfare of others."

Mario Jayes

For years, 14-year-old Mario has volunteered with his parents. He helps set up the site, serves dinner, makes bag lunches for the next day and even helps move sleeping pads at the end of the season. Mario makes both program participants and volunteers feel welcome.

"All the guests and volunteers know him and love him," one nominator wrote. "Whatever he is asked to help with, he gladly jumps right in."

When asked why he volunteers, Mario said, "I like making people happy. People I'm serving will tell me they walked two extra miles just to get to our site for the welcoming volunteers and delicious food. Hearing such difficult circumstances, I'm really amazed that anyone going through such hardships can show gratitude. … I'm looking forward to turning 18 so I can take over as St. Isidore's site coordinator."

Volunteers are vital to DuPage PADS mission to end homelessness. Last year the agency's 4,000 volunteers donated 65,000 hours, equivalent to 31 full-time employees.

DuPage PADS currently is recruiting volunteers for the summer. Those interested in volunteering may contact PADS at (630) 682-3846 or dupagepads.org.

Mario Jayes, center, Youth Volunteer of the Year, with his parents Greg and Felicia, who also volunteer with DuPagePads. Courtesy of DuPagePads

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.