Retirement provides second opportunity for this volunteer

Retirement can provide an opportunity for second chances. At long last, hopefully you will have a chance to do, see and experience all those things that you were unable to do because of other obligations and lack of time while you were employed.

When Sue Knippen retired in 2004, she decided she was going to dedicate a good portion of her time to helping others by volunteering.

"I enjoy what I do," Knippen said. "Volunteering keeps my brain challenged and I like meeting new people. I get a sense of accomplishment when I volunteer; it is very rewarding. I highly recommend volunteering for people of all ages as a way to meet new people, learn new skills and to keep active and involved in their community."

Knippen began by volunteering to help with mailings and clerical work at The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago, and that resulted in her being asked to perform clerical, computer and data entry duties for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. She also helped to oversee volunteers at the Senior Celebration Day at Randhurst Mall. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is sponsored by The Volunteer Center, which is located at 2121 S Goebbert Rd. in Arlington Heights.

"Sue is a valuable addition to our staff," said Linda McLaughlin, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program program manager, "she is always smiling and willing to do anything and everything that needs to be done."

Through her involvement with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Knippen began tutoring a kindergarten child who needed help with counting and pronunciation. She currently tutors children who are having trouble with reading at a school in Wheeling and also volunteers at Holy Family Hospital where she performs clerical duties for the Nursing Education department.

Knippen is an active member of St. Edna's Catholic Church in Arlington Heights. She is involved with the Respect Life and Prison Ministry programs and also helps with the Sharing program, which provides school supplies, toiletry items and other essentials for inner city children.

In her spare time, Knippen enjoys oil painting, Scrabble, walking and working on her computer. She and her husband, Phil, reside in Wheeling, and they have been married for 44 years. Their family includes a son, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter who is 4 years old. They are also looking forward to welcoming another grandchild shortly.

Members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program are a part of a national movement to transform America through involvement of its citizens. The program provides retirees and adults age 55 or better with an opportunity to give back to their communities by providing them with meaningful volunteer work with local nonprofit agencies. The Volunteer Center matches people of all ages, including teens, corporations and families with social service agencies that need help in providing assistance to people in need.

For information on the types of volunteer opportunities available, contact the Retired and Senior program at (847) 228-1006; the Volunteer Center, (847) 228-1320; or visit volunteerinfo.net.