For nearly two decades Dave Wiitanen has helped Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly in the copper country. And now he’s earned recognition for his service. Recently Wiitanen was awarded Copper Shores’ Do Good Volunteer award.
Dave Wiitanen has volunteered with Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly for close to two decades. And now he’s earned recognition for those years of service, helping Little Brothers connect with elderly folk in the Keweenaw Peninsula. He says he started volunteering, cleaning pots and pans. Before taking on larger roles, and working with every program Little Brothers has to offer.
“Then one day I just said, I’m going to do it,” Wiitanen said. “My most memorable event was with Shelby, the cook at Houghton Elementary School. That’s whose tenure I kind of started under. And I started pots and pans, you know. But it’s like, I can do this. I see the need. And I’m not afraid to work.”
Wiitanen saw a need in his community and works to help where he can. He says new volunteers might feel intimidated when first getting involved with an organization. But when you put a full effort into helping people, the smallest gesture is met with immense gratitude.
“The Christmas meals, the Easter coming up then following this and everything,” he said. “Like I say, if you ever thought about it, you’re ready to do it. Jump in, get your feet wet, and go see what’s involved, see how you can contribute. Yeah, the smiles and stories and new faces you meet, it’s well worth it.”
Meal Site Coordinator Pam Lowney adds Little Brothers would have a hard time connecting with seniors without the incredible work by volunteers to operate important programs. The organization hopes to see a new generation of volunteers in the copper country pick up a ladle. Especially if someone already has ServSafe certification.
“We’re hoping to find some interest for volunteers to come in and get trained under the volunteers that have been here for so many years. To learn best practices and just how well to get things done,” Lowney said. “So we’re really hoping that we can reach out and get the word out that we are looking for people to be leads for us in the kitchens and the dining rooms and just help us out with the holiday meals.”
Dave Wiitanen will earn the December Copper Shores Do Good Volunteer of the Month award for his dedication to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly for 18 years. From cleaning pots to driving a senior to a doctor appointment, Wiitanen has helped with every program Little Brothers offers to the community. Those interested in becoming a volunteer, with the passion and dedication similar to Dave, should consider helping at the upcoming Christmas Meal Sites.
LBFE will need a large number of delivery drivers for sites. Lowney adds drivers typically stop by three homes to drop off dinner and spend a few minutes with the organization’s friends. Little Brothers will also need help to clean up at meal sites. Many locations set up inside church halls and community spaces. Little Brothers wants to respect the spaces the community provides to the meal sites, and will look to have everything just as it was before Christmas arrives.
Executive Director Carol Korpala says the meal sites are a great introduction into the organization. As the site can introduce volunteers to more than the seniors in the Copper Country, and introduce individuals to people involved in other programs. Holiday meals often bring together the organization’s volunteers. Some of the regular drivers a part of the medical transport program might pick up a senior or wheelchair bound friend, and drop them off at a meal site for dinner. Firewood delivery drivers sometimes fill in the gaps where the organization needs help with meal deliveries. Learn about LBFE volunteering here. Register to volunteer at a Christmas Meal Site here.
Dave Wiitanen’s recognition as the December Copper Shores Do Good Volunteer of the Month recognizes the impact individual volunteers can have on an organization or program. Wiitanen joins a long list of incredible volunteers recognized by Copper Shores’ Do Good Volunteer Award. The foundation plans to officially announce the award later this week. Learn more about the Copper Shores Do Good Volunteer of the Month Award here. Which includes a form to nominate an individual for the Copper Shores’ Do Good Volunteer Award.
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