Power for the Cause—Thrivent Financial Volunteer Excellence Award recipients talk about what drives their efforts, and why each cause is near and dear to their hearts.

You certainly don’t have to volunteer for everything that comes along, but if Dina Heckel has the time, you can almost be certain she’ll be there to lend a hand.

“I like to get myself involved in a whole bunch of different situations,” Heckel says with a laugh. “For me, it’s really about being of service to others. In doing that, I am also rewarded with a great feeling of accomplishment. I could be the poorest person in the world, but that feeling I get after helping people makes me the richest.”

Her favorite activity is her opportunity to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Appleton. She has served as a wish grantor since 2000, and also has helped with fund-raisers for the children with the life-threatening illnesses.

“It’s addicting. Seeing their faces light up when they’re told their wish will be granted—it’s indescribable,” she says. “Sometimes I push myself to the limit because there are so many who need help.”

For the sick child and the family, their concentration is all on the medical, Heckel says. “The person they see the most is the doctor. This is just a little taste of happiness and something to hold on to as they go to their appointments.”

And sometimes, just sometimes, that little bit of happiness and hope can even lead to a cure.

Heckel really appreciates the support Thrivent Financial offers its employees in terms of volunteerism. Last year, Heckel was the events director for the Appleton Operations Center Chapter, and participated in a number of activities through the chapter.

But not all the things Heckel involves herself in take a lot of time. She donates blood regularly. She’s served meals to the residents at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley. She has helped with fund-raisers for a local park, for downtown development and for the March of Dimes. She’s also helped raise money for Chaps Academy, an organization that assists children with special needs, by giving guided horse rides to children.

“You don’t have to volunteer for every organization that is out there,” Heckel says. “Go make a difference for one organization. Find the organization that touches your heart and get involved. Just think of the difference you would make and the profound impact it would have your community.”