Batavia lawyer named Marklund's volunteer of the year
Officials with Marklund say their volunteers come from all walks of life, and their ages and interests run the gamut.
No one personifies that better than Reese Peck of Batavia. The practicing attorney and litigator volunteers nearly every Saturday with Marklund residents, accompanying them on outings, going on trips both in the morning and afternoon.
"The days I've gone there tired or not in the greatest mood, I never come away like that," Peck says. "They're just a wonderful group of people, and so inspiring."
Peck has been volunteering at Marklund for more than four years. His dedication earned him the volunteer of the year award last April, and it was totally unexpected, he says.
"What a great surprise that was," Peck says. "But volunteering at Marklund is the best thing that's happened to me."
Cathy Nikrandt, manager of volunteer engagement, says many of the staff members who work with Peck nominated him for the award.
"He is a very humble man," Nikrandt says, "but he also has a kind heart when it comes to his friends at Marklund, our residents.
Beyond his Saturday outings, Peck has volunteered at summer baseball games, taken camping day trips, helped staff the agency's 5K rock 'n' roll run, decorated Marklund's group homes for the holidays, and helped residents open gifts on Christmas Eve.
On one recent Saturday, Peck accompanied residents on a bowling outing. His role included everything from helping to secure them on the bus and riding to the venue, to helping them bowl. He helps put the ball on the ramp, or takes their hand and helps push the ball.
Mostly, Peck says, he enjoys seeing their joy at being on an outing and getting out into the community.
"These people are wonderful," Peck says. "In working with them, I've learned that they all have their own personalities. It's very inspiring and enjoyable being with them."
Peck says he feels appreciated by the residents and the Marklund staff. Plus, it offers him a respite from his day job as a trial attorney with the law firm Rathje Woodward in Wheaton, where he concentrates in construction litigation.
He concedes that he has no relative with special needs, but he became aware of the volunteer opportunity from a client who had a child with disabilities. Peck joined the board of the child's school, the Clare Woods Academy in Wheaton - he now serves as president - but Marklund offered him hands-on service.
"I was looking for a way to get involved in volunteering and helping people," Peck says. "It's a wonderful opportunity. The residents keep me coming back."