March 18, 2004

Volunteer of the Week: Linda Nollette

Linda Nollette says that it may sound selfish that her main reason for volunteering is to make the community a better place for her kids.  Focused on children as much as possible, she volunteers at Williams Elementary, the Almaden Valley Women's Club, the Almaden Valley Counseling Auxiliary and the Episcopal Church of Almaden.
"I guess I would say I'm child-driven.  I'm in it for the kids.  The things I do at Williams Elementary puts money towards the kids," says Nollette. 
Averaging about 20 hours a week, Nollette spends between two and five days a week at Williams Elementary, where she acts as vice president of the Ways and Means Committee.  She is on the PTA and volunteers to read to the kids, takes care of book orders, puts together classroom bulletin boards and works in the library with the children. 
At the women's club, she has chaired committees for the Almaden Valley Art and Wine Festival for the past six years. 
"I enjoy the women I work with so much.  The feeling of giving as much as we do back to the community in the terms of funds and scholarships is very fulfilling," says Nollette. The Women's Club awards scholarships to students for college with the money raised by the Festival, in addition to supporting other causes.
At her church, Nollette has done a little bit of everything, such as acting as a Sunday school teacher and as a youth group leader.

“It's wonderful to be a member of such a family-oriented church and give back as much as I can,” she says.

Nollette also acted as donations co-chair for the Almaden Valley Counseling Auxiliary for their recent Snowball Fundraiser that benefits—you guessed it—local kids. The event lasts two days, with a tea and a luncheon on Friday and a dinner dance on Saturday. She's been working with the auxiliary for five years.

Nollette enjoys spending time with her family, and gives her husband of 18 years, Jeff, a lot of credit. “Without him, I wouldn't be able to do any of this,” says Nollette. They have three children, Bethany, 14, Tyler, 10, and Zachary, 6. They have lived in Almaden for six years.
"As my children were being born and growing up, I started seeing a need for volunteers in many different aspects of the community.  I began volunteering with my children in their school and it just grew from there," says Nollette.
She is also a team mom for Tyler's baseball team, the Almaden Valley Cardinals, and on the swim committee at Almaden Swim and Racquet club.

"I feel blessed.  Time goes by so fast and children grow up so quickly, it's nice to be with them when I can.  Before I know it, they're going to be in college," says Nollette. 

— By Miranda Schultz