Baubles, Bangles and Bling, Rake A Difference and Holiday Hope could only have one thing in common, Ellie Capra.

Within the past year, sophomore Ellie Capra has become Community Thread’s main contact for volunteers at the high school. Community Thread is a non-profit organization in Stillwater that is focused on improving our community.

“Our main focus at Community Thread is based on three pillars: our Senior Center in Stillwater and Bayport, our Volunteer Center and Chore and Transportation center,” Volunteer Center Coordinator at Community Thread Leanna Miller said.

Capra has been involved with volunteering and helping her district for many years, which started with her family’s volunteer involvements and activities within their own communities. 

“I started volunteering when my sister became very interested in it, and my family has always been engaged in certain volunteering activities,” Capra said. 

While following her sister’s footsteps, she was introduced to Community Thread where she now spends most of her time volunteering. Since she was first introduced, she has now become their main contact for events.

Creating an Impact

“Ellie has had an enormous impact on recruiting volunteers. We count on her for the connection to the high school and without Ellie, we would not have that direct connection,” Miller commented on Capra’s involvement through the past year. “From Sept. to Dec. 31, 2018 Ellie has recruited 15 volunteers for Community Thread events which translates to 57.50 service hours. If we were to put the Minn. volunteer value on that time, it is over $1570.00.”

Since starting working with Community Thread, Capra said that the organization is concerned about volunteering and helping but, “they’re not crazy serious about this. They really are just passionate about the events that they’re doing. They want people to have a good time volunteering for them and people who are coming through the doors to have a good time as well.”

One of the 15 volunteers who Capra has recruited was junior Rachel Bernath. Bernath volunteered with Capra for a Christmas toy drive where they organized toys for those in need. Bernath said she had a great time with Capra and enjoyed volunteering for Community Thread.

Volunteering is an activity that is not only beneficial to society and the people, but also the volunteer. Capra has come to understand why it is so important to give back to the area you live in.

“It’s important not only to give back to our community and build that engagement but also to learn from other people’s experiences,” Capra said, “to know what other people are going through in your community.”

Through all of her work with Community Thread, it has made Capra come to conclusions about her own future career or hobbies that she would like to pursue.

“I have had a lot of fun doing it. It has definitely taught me a lot of life skills about organization and reliability and how important community service is to do, not only for yourself but for other people,” Capra said. “I would love to continue something like this in the future.”

“Volunteering is important to everyone by offering vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose,” Miller explained. “While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.”