A Fort Collins Local and her Insight on Volunteering

I interviewed Rhiannen Thero, a local resident of Fort Collins who spends a few afternoons a week volunteering anywhere she can. She is a second year college student and likes to volunteer with her sorority and is always looking to build on her resume. I contacted the head of the Kappa Delta at Colorado State University to see if there was anyone who stood out to them for the topic of donating/volunteering. I was unable to get in touch with local nonprofit owners so I believed this was the next best thing. I got in touch with Abby and this interview happened over a zoom call. The main topics we discussed were why and where she volunteers locally.

Q: How are you? What have you been up to?

A: I’m doing well, but stressed. School has been getting pretty exhausting lately, it’s hard during midterms.

Q: Ya I totally understand that, I am going through the same thing. What do you do to destress?

A: I take lots of breaks, most of my breaks are when I volunteer.

Q: Rhiannen why did you start volunteering?

A: I started volunteering in FOCO almost a year ago because of my sorority at CSU. I was against it at first because it felt like a chore but now I look forward to it every week.

Q: Why do you look forward to it?

A: It almost gives me a sense of purpose, I like having something sturdy and good to do while the world around me is going crazy. It also makes me feel better about myself, that I’m making a difference or someones day.

Q: Where do you mainly volunteer?

A: I used to go to the Fort Collins Rescue Mission but since covid I have had some trouble sticking with just one place. I do a lot of online work now because I want to stay involved so I can know the ins and outs of how nonprofits work. I want to start one when I am older.

Q: What type of nonprofit do you want to start?

A: I am really interested in food so I am thinking about either a food kitchen where volunteers can come in and cook for others or a food bank. But those are already pretty popular.

Q: That’s a really interesting goal, I hope it works out for you. Did anywhere in Fort Collins inspire you? Is the nonprofit life good in Fort Collins? Anywhere you recommend?

A: There are so many options up here. I really love the Fort Collins Rescue Mission, it is a great place to go with friends and the atmosphere is unlike anything else. This was the main place where my career dreams started. I also really enjoy going to schools. This is harder during covid but I am grateful that my sorority works with the Girl Scouts because I love to work with kids. If you go to Volunteer Match, it will give you more specific ideas and recommendations that fit you.

Q: That is so cool, do you get cookies out of working with the Girl Scouts?

A: Yes but unfortunately I do have to pay for them.

Q: Well, thank you for your time, recommendations, and input. It was nice to meet you.

A: You too, maybe I’ll see you around volunteering.