ReStore volunteer spotlight: Meet Pat

Every week, Pat Heinrichs (pictured left) searches for loose screws and nobs while volunteering at Omaha’s Habitat ReStore. She sorts them into bins and places them aside, ready for students from Madonna School to work on.

Madonna is a school that serves students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them to become as independent as possible. When the group comes in, Pat hands the bins to the group’s life coach. The students put the screws into the knobs. Then, Pat puts them into a bag, staples it shut and hangs them on a pegboard to sell.

“They are a pleasant and cooperative group,” Pat said. “They are always happy to help.”

Pat chooses to come on the same day the students are scheduled to volunteer. She enjoys working with them and watching them complete the project.

“Pat helps us do more work by leading other volunteers,” said Marlee Huen, volunteer services coordinator. “She allows the staff to work on other projects while she works with the students.”

Pat has been volunteering at Omaha’s Habitat ReStore for four years and always looks forward to welcoming their group. She has spent more than 1,000 hours volunteering with us.

“Pat always completes her tasks with a warm heart and smile,” Marlee said.