City of Columbia

October 2010 Volunteer of the Month Sonrisa Wood

 There really is a place in Columbia, MO for everyone, even a big city girl like Parks and Recreation volunteer, Sonrisa Wood. Sonrisa came to Columbia from Los Angeles and brought her heart for volunteering and her expertise working with children with her.

Like so many of our volunteers, Sonrisa’s ventures began with an email to Columbia’s Volunteer Programs offering up her service but she was surprised to find an opportunity to help out with something she was already so passionate about. Since December Sonrisa has been working with the L’il Lady Bulldogs Dance & Cheer Group through the Parks and Recreation Department. When she found out they needed help with the team, she was pleasantly surprised. “When I got an email saying they needed someone to head up the dance and cheer team I was really excited to help out, I taught cheer and gymnastics for five years in LA for Parks and Recreation and I knew this was right up my alley”, Sonrisa said.

Parks and Recreation Volunteer Supervisor Camren Cross said, “Sonrisa is an excellent all-around volunteer, as are so many of my volunteers, but Sonrisa is one who goes above and beyond by doing so much more than just showing up for events to help out.” Among many things, Sonrisa has spent time seeking out events for her group to perform at and helping design t-shirts for the team to wear.

Sonrisa’s service has gone beyond her involvement with the L’il Bulldogs. She enjoyed her time spent volunteering so much that she also stepped up to fill a Child Care Assistant position for the city as soon as she saw they needed a volunteer.

Sonrisa’s passion for serving and her attitude has made a positive impact on the city of Columbia and the youth she has been able to work with. Camren says that Sonrisa has really been a mentor to the young women she works with and has helped them get involved and stay involved with a program that can really impact their lives for the better.

Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin