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WHY WE VOLUNTEER AT EDGEWOOD

Mike, Christa, Mike and Barb Leake at the Annual Edgewood Volunteer Brunch in April 2009

"Our family volunteers with the children at Edgewood because they are great kids who teach us a lot about perseverance. The kids offer smiles whenever we hang out with them. They are all so loving and so much fun to be with."

The Leake family has been an incredible asset to Edgewood Children’s Center, and giving back to the community is certainly a commitment of their entire family.

Mike Leake volunteered during the United Way Days of Caring and helped landscape the Edgewood campus. Impressed with the experience, he encouraged his wife Barb to volunteer at Edgewood as well. Barb joined Edgewood as a volunteer in 2006 and spends every Tuesday evening in the cottages with the girls. When Edgewood’s residential program was in need of an LCD projector for church services, trivia nights and movies for the children, Barb talked to her co-workers at Swank Audiovisual and found a projector to donate. The Leakes also work at many Edgewood special events throughout the year. But Barb and Mike are not the only members of the Leake family sharing their time and resources with Edgewood.

Thursdays in the boys’ cottages are pretty special. That’s when “Mr. Mike,” Barb and Mike’s son, comes to see them. Mike is one of Edgewood’s youngest volunteers. He is 25 years old and the boys relate to him like a big brother. He shows them how to cooperate by being a positive influence.

“Mike always keeps his cool in tough times. He’s willing to stay with the kids even when they make it pretty tough to do so,” said Jen Johnston, child care supervisor. “But Mike can give them the one-on-one attention they need.”

Mike began volunteering at Edgewood in 2007 as a mentor for two different boys, spending time with them on Saturdays. He served as a positive role model for the kids and taught them new skills. He devoted his time to taking them to the park, getting ice cream cones or just hanging out. After several months, Michael transitioned to the cottages, where he volunteers each week. Now he spends time with all the boys – not just one. Mike has also volunteered at several Edgewood fundraising events, including In the Vineyard and Chefs’ Night Out.

The volunteering gene definitely runs in the Leake family! We are truly grateful they have chosen Edgewood to give of their time, compassion and support.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at Edgewood!