Serving with Heart
By Gray Bennett | Top Photo by Rich Smith
This holiday season and throughout the year, families in the Scenic City are strengthening their communities with humility, one act of kindness at a time. Here, we highlight local families who regularly volunteer together to learn more about their heart for service.
With the Kraha Family / Photos By Rich Smith
“Children need less direction than one might think. They are eager to help and join in and can spot what needs to be done and do it.” – Madeline Kraha
For the Krahas, volunteer work isn’t a one-off event or novelty experience. It’s just a regular part of life. Driven by compassion and a curiosity about the innerworkings of their local community, a variety of service opportunities have naturally found them along the way.
In fact, volunteer work played a fated role in Tyler and Madeline’s love story. The pair met while volunteering independently at Crabtree Farms back in 2017. Their early experiences of volunteering together formed a strong foundation for their relationship and, eventually, their growing family.
Volunteer work looks a little different for a family of seven. With the Kraha kids’ ages ranging from 2 to 16, busy school schedules and naptimes keep them on their toes. Tyler Kraha explains that, since a majority of volunteer opportunities aren’t suited for every member of the family, they often break into smaller “Kraha groups” in order to make the most of their volunteer time. Flexibility and keeping an open mind are key.
“Keep trying,” he says to other families searching for volunteer opportunities. “Not every space meets every family, and not every space is meant for you. Sometimes the plan you have in mind changes based on the needs of the person or the organization. It’s important to remember that it’s not always about you and what you want, but about helping out with whatever is needed.”
Nowadays, the Krahas have found a rhythm that works for them – busy schedule and all. The younger kids take on simpler tasks. They may spend a morning watering plants in a community garden space, or there may be an opportunity for them to volunteer some time at their older siblings’ schools. For the older kids, Welcome Home of Chattanooga is a nonprofit where they regularly spend time visiting with people in need of hospice care.
Every service opportunity is all about making a positive impact on the community little by little. While they participate in a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, Tyler Kraha shares that “there is no one instance” when he is most proud of them. “Anytime they choose to give their time, in earnest to another, I’m proud of them,” he says.
With the James Family / Photos by Kristina Armstrong
“Volunteering in general, and participating in theater specifically, teaches you to see that everyone can have something to offer. Trusting others, and being trusted in return, is a strong lesson.” – Steven James
As a homeschooling family with 10 children, extracurricular activities were unheard of by the James family until they found an organization where their creative expression could flourish.
It all started with a show at Chatta-nooga Theatre Centre (CTC). The experience, leaving them amazed and impressed, inspired a few of the James kids to step outside of their comfort zone. It was the perfect place for them to start volunteering their time, auditioning, entertaining, and working behind the scenes.
“With so many people in our family, it was not clear from the start that everyone would want to be involved,” Steven and Rebecca James share. “Seeing the joy and sense of belonging that it brought their siblings, it has been surprising to see some of our quieter children take part in performing on stage. We love that they’ve all found different parts of theater that they love and enjoy.”
Today, the James kids have been involved in about 13 shows at CTC since 2019. They enjoy a variety of responsibilities, always ready for a new challenge. From acting, singing, and dancing on stage to behind-the-scenes jobs like stage managing and working lights and sound, everyone works together as a team to make the final show something truly amazing.
Rebecca James explains that, even long before curtain call, life lessons are all around them. “The phrase most commonly associated with theater is ‘the show must go on,’” she says. “Learning to take whatever curveball comes your way and still follow through with the rest of a production is a skill that is universally applicable. Auditioning teaches another great lesson – each one is an opportunity to grow and learn even when you don’t get cast or get the part you wanted.”
Through every show – on and off stage – the James family has a passion for bringing joy to others and creating something bigger than themselves. “The kids have seen their audiences laugh, sob, gasp in shock, or cry tears of delight and joy,” says James. “Knowing that they can have that kind of impact is thrilling, empowering, and humbling!”
With the Walsh Family / Photos by Kristina Armstrong
“Don’t be hesitant to get involved. Lots of great organizations are in need of help and support. Find your passion and share it with others.” – Tracy Walsh
A desire for deeper connectedness sparked the Walsh family’s passion for volunteering. It all started with a simple word of encouragement.
In 2014, Dan Walsh was invited to join the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga (RMHC). Jane Kaylor, the former CEO, encouraged him to make it a team effort and ask his family to support the organization alongside him. Ready to grow closer as a team in support of a great cause, the Walshes jumped into action.
Ten years later, volunteer work has taught them the importance of empathy and kindness over and over again. Tracy Walsh explains that, while they “don’t have all the answers and can’t take away the problems that families are facing,” the ability to actively listen “with care and understanding” creates a greater sense of connectedness when it matters most.
No matter the situation, Walsh notes that they are “always able to rise to the occasion” together. They cook meals, answer phone calls, set up for festivals and special events, and more. It’s not only given them a heart for their community, but it’s also brought them closer as a family. Each member of the family has volunteered with RMHC in different ways over the years, and it’s their unique skills and abilities coming together that has made them such a strong team.
Walsh explains that volunteering has also taught them to truly value every moment together. “After we cooked our monthly Adopt-A-Meal on the second Friday of the month, when our grandfather lived with us, he would buy dinner for us when we finished cooking,” Walsh shares. “He would say ‘You cook dinner for 60 people, and I will buy for those of you who cooked.’ We have continued that tradition of going out to dinner after he has passed and enjoy that time together after we volunteer.”
At the end of the day, the Walsh family has a true passion for taking care of others and being there for them in their time of need. Volunteer work has opened new doors for connection with their community and strengthened the bonds between them all.
