At Penfield Children’s Center, we believe every moment of kindness adds up to something extraordinary. And when it comes to creating those moments, our volunteers lead the way. From sharing their time and talents to simply showing up with a smile, their generosity makes a lasting impact on the children and families we serve.

No one sees this magic in action quite like Destiny Van-Hoesen, Penfield’s Volunteer and Event Coordinator. She’s often the first person to welcome volunteers through our doors, and one of their biggest cheerleaders.

That energy shines brightest during special events, like our celebration of Read Across America Week. Held in March, this nationwide initiative promotes the joy of reading, and our celebration was no exception. We welcomed many wonderful volunteers who came in to read books to our children, helping spark imagination and laughter with every story.

“We had amazing Milwaukee community members—from our very own mayor to local authors—come in and read to the kiddos,” Destiny said. “One of the absolute best moments was when a therapy dog named Tutu came in with her owner, who wrote a book about her being different. The kids LOVED meeting Tutu (and Tutu loved the attention, too!).”

Moments like these highlight the incredible value volunteers bring, not just in what they do, but in how they show up.

“Our volunteers are like bonus cheerleaders for our kiddos and families,” Destiny explained. “Whether it’s reading a book, helping in the classroom, or even just showing up with a smile, they help create a space where kids feel seen, supported, and safe. It’s a big deal and it makes a lasting impact.”

Thinking about getting involved? Destiny has one message:

“Come hang out with us! It’s fun, meaningful, and honestly—once you walk through the doors and meet the kids, you’ll never want to leave. We make volunteering easy, flexible, and full of feel-good moments.”

Make memories. Make a difference. Learn how you can help.