UW News

October 28, 2004

Childhood memories prompt her volunteer work

Name: Kristina Hansen


UW Job: Development Coordinator, School of Social Work Office of Development and Alumni Relations


Volunteer Activity: Forgotten Children’s Fund.


Organization’s mission:

Every year, FCF volunteers work together to raise money to purchase, wrap, and deliver gifts to needy children and their families. There are no administration costs nor paid staff. Help is 100% volunteer. All money collected goes directly to needy children. Because of supplier contributions and purchasing relationships, each dollar contributed to the Fund is “tripled.” The use of trucks and vans are donated to transport the gifts, elves, and of course Santa to the families on Christmas Eve.


How long a volunteer: 15 years



Why this activity:


I was interested because this organization helped to define the true meaning of Christmas in my youth. I greatly admired the work a family member had been doing with the FCF and was excited when I was old enough to help too.


Experiences while volunteering:


I will never forget one grandmother who was caring for her daughter’s nine children. The immense gratitude she showed us for providing a Christmas that otherwise would have never been was overwhelming. Her tears of joy and the excitement on the nine children’s faces have lived in my heart for years.



Satisfaction in volunteering:


I can’t think of a greater satisfaction than knowing whether I was stuffing envelopes, wrapping presents, loading a truck, or delivering presents to well deserving families, another’s day was brightened.