The mission of Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia rests in the hands of its donors, who fund the work of our volunteers and board members. Debbie Waggoner, who chose to a recurring monthly contribution, is just one such donor.
How did you first hear about Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia?
“Erin Burri mentioned her mom, Cindy Daugherty was involved in a new nonprofit. I got together with Cindy, and she told me all about it.”
What draws you to the organization’s mission?
“I lived too far away from my parents and traveled for work all the time, so I wasn’t able to be there for them much in their last years. To know there will soon be a place for people like them – people who don’t have family or whose family cannot care for them – is so very important.”
Tell us a bit about yourself.
“I grew up in the small town of Elsberry, MO, and have lived in Columbia (for the second time) since 1997. I worked for State Farm Insurance for more than 40 years before retiring in 2016. After retirement, I decided to stay in Columbia.
“A lot of my time is spent volunteering with Be the Change Volunteers, an education-focused nonprofit that travels to developing and third world countries — building and rehabbing schools, school libraries, teacher housing and playgrounds.
“I love to travel and do that as much as possible. In August I will finally make it to my 50th state (Alaska) and this past December made it to my seventh continent (Antarctica).”
Tell us about your family and/or those closest in your life.
“I have one brother who lives in Jefferson City with his wife. My nephew is married with two daughters and is a Lt. Colonel in the Army. My niece married last August. She and her husband are traveling around the states in a motorhome, and we’ll see where they land long term.
“Outside of biological family, my Be the Change Volunteer family and a small group of ladies called Knittin’ Kittens are incredibly important to me and I love spending time with them.
“The best part of getting together is the laughter.”
