DuPage Children's Museum celebrates one volunteer's 10,000 hours of service

Dave Dumford has volunteered at DuPage Children's Museum since November 2001. At the suggestion of his daughter, Dave joined the museum's volunteers and now, over 16 years later, Dumford has logged 10,000 hours of dedicated service.

Dave's engineering background is an enormous asset to the museum. He loves working with his hands so the DuPage Children's Museum's workshop is a natural environment for him. On a typical day, you can find Dave sanding and cutting wood, building or repairing exhibits, and socializing with fellow volunteers he has known for many years. When a new exhibition is ready for installation on the museum floor, Dave is in the midst of helping staff complete the exhibition before its debut to the public. In fact, there are very few exhibits that Dave hasn't had some involvement with designing, building, or repairing.

"I am 76 years old now, been retired for 28 years, and I feel the need to contribute back and help others. It is fun to watch the kids try to figure out how to work an exhibit that I have helped build. I don't see any reason to stop volunteering," Dumford said.

Dave and his wife, Susan, are members of the Legacy Circle, which recognizes individuals who have committed themselves to continuing the work of the DuPage Children's Museum by investing in its future through their estate plans. He also donates financially to the museum the amount of hours he has volunteered. Dumford is a passionate fisherman and very involved with his church.

The DuPage Children's Museum volunteers become part of the museum's dedicated effort to ignite the full learning potential of children through hands-on play. You can expect to play, learn, serve, and change lives. The museum offers a variety of opportunities that match best with a volunteer's passion and skills. Whether interacting with visitors or working behind the scenes, volunteers make a lasting impact on the lives of children.

"DCM is dependent upon the generous support of other. Words can't express how thankful we are to Dave for his undivided devotion to DCM over the many years," said Jessica Greenlaw, volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer opportunities are available for teens, adults, groups, and corporations. To learn more, contact Jessica Greenlaw at jgreenlaw@dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000, ext. 4640.

The DuPage Children's Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children through its mission: "DuPage Children's Museum ignites the potential of all children to learn through hands-on exploration by integrating art, math, and science." Interactive exhibits and programs make learning fun for children and adults playing together. It serves over 300,000 visitors annually representing all 50 states and 575 zip codes in Illinois. Its reach and support represent well beyond the Chicago area. The museum's impact extends across cultural, financial, and educational boundaries. It touches the lives of children from all regions, providing the building blocks for success in school and life. The museum is located at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville, www.dupagechildrens.org or call (630) 637-8000.