Mr. Thomas is just “one cool dude”

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
Thomas Hill, Heart House South

“Mr. Thomas is here! Mr. Thomas is here!” was what our Volunteer Coordinator, Shelly-Marie, heard from across the room the second Mr. Thomas Hill walked through the door that first week of our fall program. His very calm, confident presence with the children is like classic jazz flowing through Coca Cola. Ahh! And wow, do the kids south just love him. It might also be because he comes in, on average twice a week (sometimes more) or that Mr. Thomas is, in the words of a Heart House child, just “one cool dude” that everyone genuinely likes being around.

“Volunteering at HH has been a very rewarding experience, says Mr. Thomas. "The kids are phenomenal and the staff is great. There is a sense of community that you don't find in most after school programs. The kids are funny, and it's great to just listen to their stories and adventures. I really like helping them with their homework, and at the end of the day, I love to just kick back and toss the football with the older kids. I cannot think of a better place to volunteer my time.”

During the day Mr. Thomas is an accountant at TMF Health Quality Institute and has been with Heart House since the spring of 2008. He is also part of a new Volunteer Advisory Board that met for the first time this month to contribute valuable views to staff from the volunteer perspective.

In September Heart House nominated Mr. Thomas for a Breakfast of Champions volunteer award through the Central Texas Aftershool Network (CTAN). His nomination statement written by South Site Director Meredith Meisetschlaeger read:

“Since March of 2008, Thomas has shown outstanding dedication to the students of Heart House South. His natural warmth, sense of humor and genuine interest in the lives of our students make him quite a popular guy. Yet despite a few arguments over who “gets to play with Mr. Thomas,” he manages to sincerely give his attention and energy to all who seek it. Thomas’ heartfelt commitment has made an indelible difference in the lives of our students and we appreciate him greatly.”




You may occasionally catch Mr. Thomas running races with the Heart House kids out back. It is no surprise that he likes playing football and basketball and bowls in a league on Monday nights. “I like playing dominoes, and I love to cook. I also try to go fishing at least once a month.” It is rumored that Mr. Thomas makes some of the best ribs in Texas- which course, to any Texan, means he makes the best ribs in the world! Thank you, Mr. Thomas, for being such a key player on our Heart House team!