Volunteer Spotlight
Name of Volunteer:
Tom McConnell
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am originally from Madison, WI and my daughter actually received a Habitat home. After working at Kraft Foods in Chicago for many years and coming to the Springfield plant off and on, we decided to travel in an RV for 2 years and eventually came to Springfield to live. I don't really have a whole lot of experience in construction and my job within Kraft was as a tech trainer, but over the years I have learned more about construction. (Tom is very humble, and I want to let you all know that he is a quick learner and has run multiple volunteer groups on his own with a little help from Habitat staff)
Do you volunteer through another organization?
I volunteer with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans on the Diana Archer and Estella Dudzik home. (Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the home sponsor and major volunteer force for the construction of this home)
When did you first volunteer with Habitat Springfield?
2 years ago is when I moved into Springfield and began volunteering with Habitat Springfield on the Nerissa King home on Evergreen Street last year. (Tom has become an integral part of the construction of the Archer/Dudzik home and we hope to keep him volunteering with us on other homes)
Why do you volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Springfield?
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity allows me the ability to do something I enjoy. There is not the expectation to know everything about construction and you get to learn more about construction all the time. Also the time commitment is whatever you want it to be, which means if you need to take some time off it is okay to do so.
What would you tell someone thinking about volunteering with Habitat?
Come out and volunteer! You get the pleasure of working with other people and getting something accomplished.
Habitat for Humanity Springfield staff, donors, and families would like to thank Tom McConnell for his hard work, dedication, and attitude while on the construction site. The time Tom has put into the construction of the Dudzik/Archer home has been great and we hope to work with him more and more as construction continues. THANK YOU Tom for everything!
