During this season of gifting and gratitude, we want to share the experiences of some of the many City employees who give back to the community through volunteering.


LUIS GARCIA

Diversity Business Specialist Luis Garcia volunteers as a Spanish interpreter at his church, Fellowship Church on Middlebrook Pike.

He is one of about seven interpreters who provides simultaneous translation during services.

He sits inside a private sound booth and translates the service for Spanish-speaking congregants who wear wireless headsets to hear the service in Spanish.


LINDA RUST

Community Development Administrator Linda Rust volunteers as a barn helper at Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), whose mission is to foster personal achievement by providing therapeutic experiences using horse-related activities for people with disabilities or other special challenges.

Her duties include bringing horses in/taking them out, feeding and watering them, and cleaning the stalls.

Volunteers with the organization can also assist in lessons, at special events, and with fundraising.

“It's a lot of fun and helps people and horses,” she says.


JEREMY MAUPIN

KPD Lt. Jeremy Maupin was a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee for six years.

Four years ago, BBBS made a video featuring Maupin and his Little; Facebook users can watch it here.

Although he ended the formal mentorship program earlier this year, Jeremy plans to maintain a relationship with his Little – who is not as little as he once was!


BOB JONES

Stormwater Engineer Bob Jones volunteers his time sharing the story of founding father John Sevier for students who visit Sevier’s homeplace, Marble Springs Historic site on class trips.

Earlier this month, he introduced students from Farragut Intermediate School to Sevier, who was the first governor of Tennessee. 

“His contributions are part of our heritage in Tennessee, and his story is important for us,” Jones says. “His story is the story of the founding of East Tennessee.

“People, especially students, will remember the experience of meeting John Sevier better than reading about him in a history book or online.” 

This month, Bob played the role of John Sevier at Marble Springs during their Christmas open house event, where he told the story of King's Mountain. 

Learn more about Marble Springs site in this WBIR feature which also includes Jones in 18th-century dress.