One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire me and remind me of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that Macaroni Kid Springfield launched this article series to spotlight these special people. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
What is your MISSION?
My children are now adults and having families of their own. My mission is to spend as much of my free time doing for others as I possibly can, while encouraging my family to do the same. I have volunteered with my family for Open Pantry on the Holidays with meal delivery, I enjoy working with the March of Dimes and Rays of Hope. I support and have volunteered for Dress for Success, Springfield Rescue Mission, Trunk or Treat and various local schools. I’m always up for any 5K that I can walk, too!
What do you want to accomplish?
I want to make people happy.
What inspired/encouraged you to do this work?
My Mother has always volunteered and been active in our community/schools. My most recent adventure has been my Jammy Jingle. Inspired by the Christmas Pajama Promise, I started collecting pajamas to help a friend’s project a few years ago. This year is my first time collecting/delivering pajamas for local charities, on my own. I’m LOVING it!
Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
In regards to the pajama collections…immediately! I love snuggly soft jammies, they literally make me smile…I want everyone in the world to have a new pair of jammies to make them smile.
How did your life before children influence the mom you are today?
I’ve been a Mom since I was 19, so I’m not sure if I really had a “life” before children. I’m trying to make a “life” now. I’ve struggled financially and emotionally in my own life, so it’s important to give back, and it doesn’t have to be with money. Time is more valuable than anything.
What part do your children play in your current mission?
My children are extremely supportive. They have donated pajamas, sorted, carried, loaded up the trunk and encouraged me. Even their friends have helped! Two of my Granddaughters helped me sort and fold and deliver 40 pairs of PJs to the Ronald McDonald House.
What lessons/values do you hope they are learning through this process?
Giving is better than receiving.
What lessons/values are you learning through this process?
I’m learning that helping others doesn’t have to be hard or stressful. It’s been very therapeutic this season. My husband is having some health issues and I swear collecting the pajamas has been a constant ray of sunshine!
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
I have always taken time to get my nails done and have dinner with friends. I love Zumba a lot, but really need to get back at it, I’ve been slacking a bit.
What can we do to support you in the community?
Just spread the word and if you can help me in any of my many crazy ideas and events, that would be awesome, too! Email me at alligaynor@gmail.com.
- HEATHER MONSON is on a mission to make sure children and families are mindful of others and compassionate to one another.
- MICHELLE CREAN is on a mission to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and to live a healthier lifestyle by providing in-home personal training and fitness nutrition guidance.
- SARAH REILLY is on a mission to bring more awareness and acceptance to the local Autism community.
- AMY CUTLER is on a mission to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and to raise funds for research so that there may one day be a cure.
- ANA FERRIS is on a mission to help people feel confident and empowered by exercise in order to have a healthy mind and heart.
- NIKKI CACI is on a mission to help women feel more confident through fashion!
- SALLY FULLER is on a mission to help all Springfield children learn to read.
- KATHERINE ZAHIROVIC is on a mission to educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyle skills.
- JENNIFER POWELL is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
