A Legacy of Giving: Parker’s Holiday Baskets Story
“What I love about volunteering is the way it makes me feel to help others,” he says. “It’s a great feeling to know that when we help others, it makes the world a better place.” – Parker
For Parker and his family, giving back is something that has been woven into their story for generations. Now a freshman in high school, Parker has been volunteering with Community Resource Center’s Holiday Baskets program since he was 11 years old. What started as a fun way to help out has grown into a meaningful connection to community, service and the real impact of giving back.
Finding His Place
Parker’s first Holiday Baskets experience took place just one day before his 12th birthday. “I was assigned to the Lego section,” Parker says. “Which was great, because I loved Legos.”
His job was to help families choose gifts for their children — asking about ages and interests, and guiding them toward the right Lego set.
“I really liked helping people pick out something special for their kids,” he says.
That first experience stuck.
Coming Back Year After Year
Since then, Parker has returned to Holiday Baskets every year, taking on new roles as he’s grown. After his first year, he began pushing carts and guiding families through the store, helping them find gifts and navigate the shopping experience.
“I really enjoy volunteering with CRC because of all the wonderful people I meet,” Parker shares. “Both the families and the CRC staff.”
In addition to Holiday Baskets, Parker has also volunteered at CRC’s Jingle & Mingle fundraiser for the past three years, gaining insight into how fundraising events help make programs like Holiday Baskets possible.
“It feels like a special full circle,” he explains. “You get to see the fundraising side, and then you see how the donations are used to help people.”
Learning the Value of Service
When asked how volunteering has shaped him, Parker’s answer is simple and powerful.
“What I love about volunteering is the way it makes me feel to help others,” he says. “It’s a great feeling to know that when we help others, it makes the world a better place.”
This year, one interaction stood out in particular.
“A shopper was telling me about all the services and supports CRC has helped her with,” Parker recalls. “That really made an impact on me.”
Moments like that have helped Parker understand that Holiday Baskets is about more than gifts — it’s about dignity, care and community.
A Legacy That Started Before He Was Born
Parker’s connection to CRC began years earlier. Before Parker was born, his mom, Jamie, was already involved with CRC through a close family friendship and a shared commitment to giving back. That connection led to years of volunteering, including helping create gift baskets for teenage girls that were distributed through CRC’s Holiday Baskets program for more than a decade.
There’s even a photo of Parker’s mom volunteering at a CRC basket assembly event just days before Parker was born.
“You could say Parker’s been volunteering with CRC since he was in utero,” Jamie jokes.
Today, Parker volunteers alongside his mom — continuing a legacy rooted in compassion, service, and showing up for the community year after year.
The Impact Continues
This year, Holiday Baskets served hundreds of local households in need, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors and community partners. Read more and see photos of our 2025 Holiday Baskets program here.
For Parker, volunteering has become something he looks forward to — not just during the holidays, but as part of who he is becoming.
“I feel fortunate to be able to help others,” he says. “It’s something that’s important to me and my family.”
Parker’s story is a reminder that when young people are invited into service early, they don’t just show up — they grow into it. And sometimes, the most meaningful traditions are the ones that help shape the next generation.
