Laura Cook modeled the compassion and care that was necessary to stuff Jessie’s JoyJars, just the way that Jessie wished. She was regularly in the JoyFactory, creating JoyJars and helping us send boosts of joy to families in need. Unfortunately, Laura was diagnosed with cancer amidst the time that she was volunteering with us. Being treated in Houston, Texas, far from home and far from the JoyFactory, she still managed to ensure that kids were receiving boosts of joy while she was battling this terrible disease; she even delivered JoyJars at the hospital that she was being treated. The compassion and courage that Laura exemplified, was inspiring and has led us to create an annual award at our Gala in her memory. This award is given to the JoyFactory Volunteer who most exemplifies the compassion that Jessie and Laura showed in creating JoyJars.
Having first heard of Jessie Rees through Saddleback Church, Jennifer Sims was moved and inspired by the compassion that little Jessie demonstrated to others. Although the two had never met, Jessie’s story resonated in a way that compelled her to make a phone call 3 years ago to get involved. Jennifer continues to give of her time and her kind-hearted spirit to accomplish whatever task is required of her at the JoyFactory – and she always does it with great passion. She has been “on call” for busy Joy stuffing times of year as well as travelling to off site corporate stuffing locations to assist. Jennifer beams when she thinks about the friendships that she has developed with staff and volunteers at JRF. Yet it’s the smiles and enduring hope that she has been a part of providing to all the courageous kids and their resilient families that have been most meaningful. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Sims as the recipient of the inaugural Laura Cook JoyFactory Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014.