Volunteer of The Year
The Wilson family has been supporting Looking Glass in a myriad of ways since their son, Scott, began working there in 2019. They kept hearing the stories Scott would share from his experiences in the various programs he has worked in during his time there including residential treatment programs and the homeless youth program and wanted to find ways to brighten the days of the youth.
“The more we learned about these kids, the more we wanted to help,” explained Wendy Wilson. “We just know that even something simple like donating ice cream or other treats to the programs can make someone’s day a little better.”
Bill and Wendy Wilson own the Larsen’s Candy business in Eugene and operate an ice cream and treat food cart at various events around Lane County. In 2019, the Wilson’s donated the food cart and materials to help Looking Glass staff a booth at the Oktoberfest event in Mount Angel, Oregon, which generated more than $5,000 in revenue for the agency. More recently, they’ve donated their soft serve ice cream machine and other treats for events at the New Roads homeless youth drop-in center.
Also getting in the donation/volunteer game is Kirsten Wilson, Scott’s wife, who as a professional photographer lent her skills to the youth at the residential treatment programs to help the adjudicated youth surprise their families over the holidays with formal framed photos of themselves. For many of the youth, it was the first time taking formal photos and helped illustrate to their families the progress they were making in treatment.
““The Wilson family has been amazing! They are really loyal supporters and are very committed to helping our agency and we really appreciate them.” ”