Kristen Mangan, Mortgage Sales Assistant, Channahon, Ill.
Organizations: Channahon Music Boosters and Parent Teacher Organization, and Prairie State Road Runners
Volunteer Service: 5 years
What is the mission of your organizations?
The Channahon Music Boosters support the band & choir program at the school, and the Channahon Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports the school, staff and students at large. The Prairie State Road Runners is a club that brings together avid runners in the community to connect them to running events and resources.
How did you first get involved with them?
I grew up participating in choir, so I was glad to see my eldest and youngest take an interest in music themselves. I got involved with the Music Boosters and PTO to support my children’s school as much as possible. My involvement helps them have a good experience and that motivates me to keep giving back.
As a lifelong runner, I joined the Prairie State Road Runners to connect with other runners in my community. They’re also one of the Music Booster’s top supporters during their annual fundraising event, the Forte 5K. Since I’m a runner it felt like a great way for me to merge my passion for supporting music, my children and my local running group.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
Helping my children’s school is so rewarding, especially with the Music Boosters. It is so meaningful to help students continue on their journey to perform and get better at their skill. It takes a lot of effort and time to learn a new instrument and perform choir, so the support helps them stay motivated and keep improving.
Can you share a memorable experience as part of your involvement?
I’m really proud of the success of the 2022 Forte 5k as one of the event’s most profitable years. It was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and we struggled bringing it back in 2021. Not everyone felt comfortable participating in events just yet, and local businesses who tended to sponsor us were also struggling. Seeing the level of participation and support during our 2022 event was very inspiring. I am really proud of its success and ability to support the Channahon band, choir and music directors.
How do you feel volunteering has had an influence on you?
Volunteering has given me more confidence. It was terrifying committing to taking over the Forte 5K as race director. It’s a big event requiring a lot of planning. It was completely new to me, but I’m glad I put myself out there. Planning an event with 200+ participants and 50+ volunteers has given me a lot of confidence to know I have the skills to be successful.
Why is it important to give back to the communities we serve?
Volunteering opens doors for people in our communities. For example, the Music Boosters uses funds to purchase instruments for students in need which allows the students the opportunity to participate in the program and learn something new that they would have otherwise gone without. Your volunteerism provides opportunities for someone else.
What advice would you give other colleagues looking to start volunteering?
Don’t be afraid to jump in and help! I was afraid when I first got involved – even attending meetings made me nervous because it felt awkward to be the new person. I quickly learned that people are more than willing to accept new members when the end goal is to help others.