Marie Hankinson is a PARC volunteer and a nominee for a United Way volunteer award.
MADEIRA BEACH – Many people think a philanthropist is a rich person who gives millions of dollars to organizations and educational facilities.
But there are exceptional individuals who quietly raise money for causes, donate to charity and put in thousands of volunteer hours. Some call them philanthropists with a small “p.” Eighteen-year-old Marie Hankinson of Madeira Beach is one shining example.
“Everyone can give,” said the senior in St. Petersburg High’s International Baccalaureate program. “It’s just helping people who don’t have as much as you do.”
While most high school students are encouraged to put in volunteer hours, Hankinson went one step further. She spent several months volunteering with children with severe developmental disabilities who live in The Cottages at PARC in St. Petersburg.
Kelli Caputo, PARC’s public and community relations director, is nominating Marie for a prestigious county-wide United Way youth volunteer award.
“Marie’s volunteer contribution is extraordinary,” said Caputo. “She chose an opportunity that required complete hands-on dedication working with children who have limited self-help skills, need constant medical and physical attention, and who may not be able to communicate their needs. At her age, she could have easily chosen a less demanding volunteer position. But Marie jumped in. It wasn’t easy and the children she served are better for it.”
Hankinson said the experience was very rewarding.
“I was attracted to The Cottages because I wanted to work with children and this allowed me to be there on Sundays, when I had the time,” she said. “I learned a lot. Despite their limitations, they are just like other children – they like to have fun. They could be crying and upset one minute; happy the next. I loved taking them to the park and seeing them run and play. Many can’t communicate well verbally, but one boy, Jacob, loved to talk. We’d talk for hours.”
Hankinson said she also learned life lessons from the children.
“They are so caring,” she said. “If I was having a bad day, they would bring a toy to me and try to cheer me up. If I was down, they always brought me up.”
The demands of senior tests and college preparation have caused her to give up her PARC volunteer work, (she hopes to become a film production major at Syracuse University), but volunteering is still part of Hankinson’s life. She tutors French honor students at St. Pete High and helps clean up the campus every Saturday.
She also encourages her younger brother, Michael, to volunteer.
“The staff at PARC is very supportive and there is always something that needs to be done,” Hankinson said.
“We always need volunteers,” Caputo said, “and we’re looking for another Marie!”
For more information about PARC and how to become a philanthropist, call 345-9111.
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