Tamara Randolph, far right, volunteers every summer in Walla Walla. This afternoon, she helps dozens of children put final touches on a Chinese junk boat.
On a sunny afternoon during the summer in Walla Walla, longtime volunteer Tamara Randolph had no place she would rather be than with the youth of the Valle Lindo community, formerly known as the Farm Labor Homes.
“I love these children,” Tamara said.
In this largely Hispanic community, Children's Home Society of Washington offers a yearly Farm Labor Homes Summer Program where participants improve their English language skills and enjoy outdoor and indoor activities. Many children’s parents in the Valle Lindo community do not speak English.
That afternoon, Tamara was helping dozens of children in the Farm Labor Homes Summer Program put the final touches on a Chinese junk boat in preparation for a picture being taken by the local newspaper.
Tamara organized the project of recycled materials and spent a number of hours working with the children in hopes of teaching useful skills that have a lifelong impact.
A professor of education at Walla Walla University, Tamara believes that the Farm Labor Homes Summer Program brings together all of her passions.
“I believe children should be learning things that will make a positive difference in their lives,” said Tamara. “Education should also show children that they have a multitude of choices in life. Lastly, my hope is that I can teach them about the sustainability of resources.”
Tamara wants to ensure that the critical services in Walla Walla continue far into the future. That is why she made the decision to include a gift to Children's Home Society of Washington in her will.
“Making a legacy gift is easy because it does not impact my resources today,” Tamara said. “It allows me to, however, support the wonderful work of CHSW beyond the days of my life.”