Holly Hisamoto says she likes to "create something that brings people together." After the holidays the senior in Religion Studies at Naropa University devised her own versions of Monopoly and Scrabble using the top and bottom of a cardboard gift box.
She and her boyfriend designed the Monopoly board featuring the Boulder landmarks they frequent. Hisamoto sketched the Flatirons on the board and used her computer and printer to make cards and money. "Now we're ready to invite friends over to play," she says.

Play, however, is a minor activity for the student who spends a significant amount of free time on week-day evenings supplying child care at Boulder's Parenting Place, a support agency for families with young children. After devoting three years there, she's been nominated for volunteer recognition by her supervisor Jessica Dale. "I would like all of Boulder to thank her for giving so much back to her community," Dale says.

Hisamoto grew up in a traveling family; she had a single mom who was on a quest for enlightenment and fulfillment. Her mother's artistic temperament and spirituality became a big part of her own life. She likes to write and make black and white photographs. Still, understanding and articulating concern for the wellbeing of others won out in her choice of university coursework.

When she arrived at Naropa she chose a minor in Early Childhood Education. At the school she also found a flyer about the Parenting Place. Immediately she anticipated the connection she would have with this group whose goal is to supply a sense of community to struggling families. "My mother would have appreciated a resource like this," she says.

As a Parenting Place child-care provider she leads young kids in painting, collage, and craft projects, the creation of stories and plays, and personally-devised outdoor games. She says she's thankful to have children in her life because of their "wonder, warmth and spontaneity."

She arrives early enough in the evenings to talk with and cook for the Latina Sewing- and the Single Moms' groups. During that time she also organizes playrooms and art supplies for the kids. "The extra time allows me to connect with the friends I've made among Parenting Place staff and mothers. It gives me a chance to help create a homey environment for the families," says Hisamoto.

What stands out for the volunteer is seeing kids develop empathy and make friends. "There's a part of me that wants to stay here long enough to see all these kids grow up!" she says.

For information about volunteering with the Parenting Place or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.