Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters Gives Her Little Sister A Permanent
Home in Her Heart
By Tonija Mikula
Special to the Daily News
“Don’t think of [volunteering] as something you can’t commit yourself
to—that you don’t have time. All it takes is a few hours and those hours can
make a lifetime of difference to someone…”
Tracy Larson was raised with her sister and two brothers in Montcalm County.
They went to school here while their folks worked at a local factory. Tracy’s
all grown up now with three teenagers of her own. It was no surprise for me to
find out one afternoon over Italian sodas at Lynn’s Coffee Shop, that Tracy’s
teenagers are active volunteers just like their mom. Larson was nominated and
subsequently won Volunteer of the Month because of her dedication to helping
children.
Larson is a Montcalm County Emergency Communications Officer. At work Tracy
routinely receives emergency phone calls and often must make life or death
dispatching decisions in a fraction of a second. People that work with Tracy
have kind things to say about her. Bonnie Timiney, a retired co-worker says of
Larson, “She was dedicated, respectful and responsible. Tracy is a special lady
to do what she does. I used to look forward to our shifts together. She was a
joy to work with and remains an asset to the human race”
“Volunteering made me appreciate what I’ve got”
When I asked Tracy what influenced her decision to begin volunteering, Tracy
told me that she was inspired by her gratitude and admiration for her longtime
boyfriend Joe Simones and the love she has for her children. Larson said she
believed Joe to be a good person who is usually active in the community. Joe’s
love and kindness inspired her to be a better person and her admiration and love
for her own children fostered her desire to do something to help kids Tracy
started looking for opportunities. When Tracy saw a blurb in the paper about
volunteering, she followed her passion.
“Everybody has their own special character or quality that makes them
their own special person”
This eventually lead her to Big Brothers Big Sisters where she now helps in a
variety of ways such as helping them with projects and fundraisers, as well as
being a Big Sister to a Little (“Little” is agency terminology for the child
that is being mentored. Cute huh?). Tracy also makes and sells candles then
donates the profits to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Larson was placed with her Little Sister five years ago and considers her part
of the family. She includes her Little in nearly every aspect of family life.
They bake cookies, go shopping or to choir concerts. They hang out at Tracy’s
house and have family diners together. Tracy’s teenagers have developed a sort
of sistership with their Little and spend time discussing all manor of
teen-topics like boys, clothes, music, and makeup.
Big Brothers Big Sisters notes in their nomination form, “…Tracy includes her
Little Sister in many family activities and her little looks forward to spending
time with Tracy…Tracy has provided consistent contact, mentoring and social
activities for her Little Sister throughout the length of the match. Tracy has
expanded her volunteer services by joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters Resource
Committee and leading a very successful and well-received fundraiser. Tracy and
her family participate and help with the agency activities and fundraisers whole
heartedly”
Tracy tells me that she enjoys doing something that makes a difference. She
values time spent with her extended family. Tracy Larson’s gift to humanity is
simply being herself. Larson says of her Little Sister,
“This isn’t just a “placement” until she’s 18—she’s going to be a match
for life! I only hope that I’ve made as much of a difference in her life as she
has in mine.”
The Montcalm County Volunteer of the Month is a formal recognition program of
the people of Montcalm County. The program is applicable to individuals of all
ages who reside in Montcalm County. To nominate potential candidates for monthly
selection by the participants of the Montcalm Area Volunteer And Mentoring
Consortium, fill out a nomination form and send it to United Way/Volunteer
Connections, PO Box 128, Greenville, MI 48838. Nomination forms may be picked up
at the Volunteer Connections office or by calling 1-800-417-2622. Or, you
can download one
here.
