Children Charity Gives Volunteers Tour of Renovated Home by ASID

(Pasadena, CA)—A foster care children’s charity, Hillsides, hosted its first volunteer fair and open house, “Volunteer by Design.” Guests and prospective volunteers were able to participate in a rare sneak peek of a recently renovated children’s cottage, which was redesigned by American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Pasadena Chapter with the funding support of Hillsides Guild, a volunteer support group for the charity.

A group of foster care boys at Hillsides were pleasantly surprised to hear that their home had been chosen to get an extreme makeover by some generous children’s charity volunteers and interior designers. For their redesign of the children’s cottage, members of ASID Pasadena Chapter were also recognized and honored for their community service project. Joy Wolfe, ASID president, received the recognition award on behalf of the organization, while members received certificates.

“Volunteers like ASID members and Hillsides Guild help Hillsides provide the extras foster care children deserve to have,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides’ director of community resources. “The foster care boys are so proud of their new living environment. They continue to pick up after themselves and are so welcoming of their new home.

Hillsides’ Executive Director John Hitchcock told guests that volunteers are willing to pitch in and make things happen. “While on tour I can point to many things on this campus and tell a story about a volunteer who left their mark.”

When Hitchcock came to Hillsides 35 years ago he vowed to transform Hillsides into a facility that if his children were in residential care, he would want them to live in. “ASID has raised my vision for Hillsides to a new level.” Given what they have done now for two Hillsides’ homes, “I want you to know we have five more.”

Showcasing also what other committed individuals do to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care, Hillsides’ volunteer support groups presented exhibits and information for prospective volunteers wishing to contribute their time, talent and gifts.

If you are looking to make a difference with children, Hillsides Guild and Hillsides Volunteer Network are two volunteer groups that offer various opportunities. Hands-on activities with foster care kids and raising awareness of Hillsides’ mission to create safe places for children and their families are a few ways to make an impact. Learn how you can get involved and view Hillsides’ “Volunteer by Design” brochure at www.Hillsides.org or call 323-255-9005.

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About Hillsides: As a Pasadena charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for children in foster care living in its residential treatment center and is a community treatment center preventing the cycle of abuse for children at risk and their families. To learn more about Hillsides, visit http://www.Hillsides.org.