I am so happy to see our friends from Care Free Homes being recognized on a national level, yet again, for their efforts in community service. The Pickup family has been selected as the "Daily Point of Light Award" winners through the national organization.

Growing up as a military family, service and giving back to others has been an integral part of the Pickup family’s life. With a fundamental truth that helping others is critical to raising caring and successful adults, parents Stephanie and Nate Pickup continue to seek opportunities for their children, Taylor, Abby, Olivia, and Nathan Jr. to make an impact in their community. - Points of Light

Each year, Stephanie Pickup and her four children donate hundreds of hours to United Way of Greater New Bedford and other local organizations. Over the past year, the family has volunteered together by handing out fresh produce at United Way’s Mobile Market, assisted in the packaging of 100 Baby Bundles for moms in need, and each of them has taken on leading roles at the annual Hunger Heroes event where 1,000 Thanksgiving meals are packaged. Steph also volunteers for United Way’s Clambake Committee, Campaign Cabinet, and the Hunger Heroes planning Committee.

"My husband graduated from West Point, so we’ve always been a military family and service-oriented. My service began before I had the kids, as a military wife supporting the military community and the loved ones of service members. Once we transitioned out of the military life, I felt a little lost and I didn’t know exactly how to channel and bring the energy as I had to serve the military community into civilian life. But as the kids got old enough to volunteer, we jumped right into new avenues of service." - Stephanie Pickup

United Way of Greater New Bedford knows what a treasure they have in the Pickup family.

“Their dedication and commitment to making a difference in Greater New Bedford are unparalleled and we are truly thankful for their efforts with us and others. Every time we run into one of the Pickups, we can always anticipate that they will ask 'what’s the next project we can help with?” - Victoria Grasela, VP of Marketing & Community Engagement

Stephanie Pickup explained the importance of instilling these values in her children and how they take them wherever life leads.

"Volunteering doesn’t just stop at home, and I see the effects of volunteering as a family grow as the kids take their service-oriented hearts into other communities. They’ve been raised to understand the importance of volunteering, and now they’re going into the world to volunteer while not being told to under supervision. It’s so awesome from a mother’s point of view. It’s a ripple effect. Giving will multiply for generations, and that’s the goal."

If you would like to take a page out of the Pickup book, might we suggest you start with VolunteerSouthCoast.org? Honestly, it's probably the easiest way to see how you can make a difference right here in our neighborhood. There’s an opportunity for everyone.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107