Volunteer Spotlight - Meeting the People of OHAAT

Sue packing bedtime bags.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, OHAAT would like to celebrate one of our regular warehouse volunteers, Sue Cotner. Sue discovered OHAAT in 2022 while researching nonprofits to volunteer with, and has been to the warehouse at least 24 times in the last year alone, in addition to volunteering for a delivery drive. She is an extraordinary person, and OHAAT is lucky to have her on our team.

Tell us a little about yourself and how OHAAT's mission motivated you to volunteer with the Beds for Kids program? 

I worked for a Fortune 100 company for 30 years and took early retirement in 2015. Since retirement I have done extensive traveling with my son until Covid hit in 2020. I fostered dogs for a number of rescues and found myself adopting two of my fosters. They both found their way into my heart. Currently I am active with hiking, swimming and volunteering weekly with multiple organizations.

OHAAT is a tremendous organization that provides such a basic need for its recipients. It is very rewarding to know that my volunteerism has a direct impact on OHAAT’s mission of providing a bed for every child.

Do you have any favorite experiences at OHAAT, or any that have left an impression on you?

Absolutely! I was able to accompany a group of volunteers on deliveries one Saturday morning. It was a very emotional journey that touched on joy and happiness for the young lives that will now have new beds/accessories to sleep on. The young children were ecstatic when they opened their bags to see all the goodies that they received. It pulled at my heart strings to see so many people living at or below the poverty level trying to survive.

The greatest take away from this experience was that struggling families are right in our backyards. It is so random who is born into wealth and poverty. That is why those of us who are fortunate enough to not be lacking in basic needs have to continue supporting OHAAT's bed program. 

What have you learned from your time with OHAAT? 

Everyone I have come in contact at OHAAT is passionate; this is evident in their work ethic, attention to detail and thoughtfulness for each delivery. Sara is a perfect example.

Why do we need organizations like OHAAT? 

The impact of OHAAT has gone far and wide by providing thousands of children with new beds/accessories. OHAAT has met a physical need but, it has to go beyond that on a more psychological level as well. They now have their own space, security and safety of their own bed. What a priceless gift OHAAT gives to these children and it needs to continue for many, many, many years to come!