Name: Rebecca Anderson-McDonough Age: 31

Occupation: Freelance writer, model

Last song you had stuck in your head: The Shins’, Kissing the Lipless

How long have you volunteered with Chicago Cares: 3 years

Programs you most often volunteer at: Homework Helpers

First program you volunteered at & memories of that experience: ESL tutoring at Noble House. I remember the students were very eager, yet timid. Most of the students were adults and very thankful for the opportunity just to practice their English.

How long have you lived in Chicago : 8 years

Favorite food: Indian

Where did you grow up: Cincinnati, Ohio

Hobbies/interests: music, movies, Spanish, travel, fashion .

Dream vacation: A month in India or South America or a boat anywhere Why you volunteer: No matter how tired or over-extended I might feel sometimes, when I leave an hour of tutoring I feel energized and excited by spending time with children and watching them learn.

Favorite Chicago Cares memory: Every year we make holiday ornaments with Polaroid's and it's always fun and revealing how silly people can get when not studying times tables or reading.

Why you would encourage other volunteers to visit your program: Our program is an extraordinary opportunity be a consistent, positive force in a young person's life – a life often filled with chaos and challenges. The difference is individual attention. Week after week, you can help a child master basic math and, in many cases, learn to read.

In order to help our volunteers get to know each other, each month Chicago Cares will “spotlight” a volunteer. If you have suggestions for volunteers you would like to see spotlighted, please email volunteer@chicagocares.org.

Volunteer Spotlight Archive