Volunteer Spotlight of the Week – Kathryn Beernink

After many years of volunteer service, it is with a sad heart but a happy mind that we announce the retirement of our dear “other services” volunteer. Over the past 10+ years at SCVN, she has driven countless seniors, logged countless miles, and has dedicated hundreds, if not thousands, of hours relieving caregivers so they can implement some self-care of their own. Because of her commitment and service, seniors all over McHenry County were able to go to the store or get food delivered to their homes when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so. Kathryn raised the bar for volunteers and taught us all how to be a better, and more giving, person. She is, and always will be, a volunteer legend at SCVN.

On Friday, June 8th, some of the SCVN staff wanted to present Kathryn with a special gift acknowledging all of her years of service. Along with the planter she received, along with it, a poem:

Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits,
Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds,
Fill it with sunshine, Kind words, and Kind deeds.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Sometimes, “Thank You” just doesn’t seem to be enough. This is one of those times, however, we’ll say it anyway:
Thank you Kathryn for all your love, kindness, hard work, and dedication, you will be greatly missed!