Carolyn Gibbs is no stranger to being hidden under a mountain of clothes to fold. She’s been a steady fixture at HOPE For All for 12 years, volunteering at least three days a week, perfecting each item of clothing that goes out the door. Carolyn, who logs more than 500 hours a year at the nonprofit, is the “go-to person” for volunteers and a self-appointed ambassador to her apartment complex where she regularly encourages neighbors to donate goods to HOPE For All. Oh, did we mention that she is 86 years old?

HOPE For All provides clothing, furniture and household items to families emerging from homelessness, and clothing to school children and people in crisis. As a volunteer, Carolyn meticulously folds and organizes hundreds of pieces of clothing daily so that clients receive them in perfect condition. Last year, HOPE For All clothed more than 1,800 people, distributing nearly 40,000 items of non-packaged clothing to them. Each piece received its final processing through Carolyn’s hands.

Kathy Breach, a HOPE For All volunteer who has known Carolyn for 10 years, is energized by her teammate. “When Carolyn walks in she just lights up the HOPE For All warehouse with her smile and twinkle,” she said. “People gravitate to her.”

Connie Cooper, HOPE For All’s executive director added, “Carolyn’s work ethic, conscientious attitude, and care in the way she puts the finishing touches on every piece of clothing before it gets in the hands of the adults and children whom we serve is evident. She fully respects the dignity of our clients.”

Despite the incredible workload, including staying late whenever needed, Carolyn makes time for others, and has extensive institutional knowledge of the warehouse, said HOPE For All’s Operations Coordinator Stephanie Zerhusen. “She has volunteered in every area,” she said.

HOPE for All’s Founder Leo Zerhusen, a past CFAAC Celebration of Philanthropy Award winner, notes that Carolyn always goes the extra mile. “When I think of the many outstanding volunteers over the years at HOPE For All, Carolyn Gibbs rises to the top of the list. She is one of the most dedicated individuals to give her time and talents to the nonprofit, and her good humor and smile are infectious in the warehouse,” he said.

In addition to HOPE For All, Carolyn also spent years volunteering at St. Philip Neri Church, cleaning the pews after every mass. She said she’s happy to do things for others and has no plans to slow down. HOPE For All has even dubbed her work area “Carolyn’s Corner” in her honor. Carolyn said she modestly heeds the advice of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta to “do small things with great love.” 

“The Dear Lord has blessed me in so many ways, and I want to pay God back for what he has done for me and what He is doing,” said Carolyn. “That propels me. When I leave home in the mornings, sometimes I see my neighbors in my building and they say, ‘Are you going to work?’ I say to them, ‘I’m going to my happy place.’”

Carolyn Gibbs was nominated by HOPE For All​.

Learn more about Carolyn at the 24th Annual Celebration of Philanthropy on October 30th.

The Boots on the Ground Award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond to improve lives and meet community needs through their exceptional efforts including mobilizing resources for public benefit, leading by example, serving when they are called, advocating, and volunteering for those in our community who need help.

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