For most of us, Christmas is the one time we dig a little deeper into our pockets to help someone else in need, but for Cynthia Prueitt, Grounds Coordinator at the Ogden-Weber Tech College, the spirit of giving lasts all year.
Cynthia has worked at the college for the past 18 years and has had the opportunity to work with people who need a second chance, a leg up or a word of encouragement. She receives frequent requests from the Department of Workforce Services, Judges, Courts and Cities to place men, women, and youth in temporary positions to work off community service or gain experience. Many have committed offenses and need a place to start back on a better path. Cynthia found that many are homeless and have nothing but the clothes they came to work in. She has been vigilant in asking college employees to help by donating clothing, gloves and coats to help these workers. But it doesn’t stop there.
Cynthia regularly checks the papers, news reports and classified for people she can help. Families in the community who have lost their homes by fire, such as the son of a faculty member at the college, have been helped by Cynthia’s careful watch and generous heart. Sub for Santa and other projects have been inspired by her example. This year welding students delivered a bed to a mother needing help and the Nursing department donated two more. The Student Services division chose to forego giving work gifts this Christmas, and donated nearly $500 to buy more gloves, etc. for Cynthia’s people. “All I do is send out the call,” said Cynthia, “it is the college employees who step up and make a difference.”
Even students caught the giving bug this year. Two women, who had previously been homeless, spearheaded a very successful blanket drive. Earlier, college staff and students filled countless boxes in a campus food drive.
When asked why she does so much for others, Cynthia simply replied, “I know what it’s like to be in need and hungry, and I’ve had people help me out. I just want to do the same for others.” It has been extremely rewarding to see the reaction from those she helps. “I wish people could be a bird on my shoulder so they could see the difference it makes.”
She spoke of a young mother who got to pick items from the lockers Cynthia has organized and filled with clothing. She said, “The mother found a pair of small girl’s gloves with the word “Princess” embroidered on them. She clutched them to her chest and with tears expressed how excited her little girl would be to get them.”
One man that stands out, came to work off 200 hours of community service for setting his friend on fire while drunk. In the beginning he was a difficult worker, but over time began to improve his work ethic and his attitude. Cynthia encouraged him to change his life, get it back on track and be a good example for his daughter. About a year later the man found Cynthia and excitedly told her how he was serving in the military and had become a Ranger. “I’m now providing a good life for my daughter, he said. Thank you.”
Another man came to work with no job, no vehicle and no home. A few months after working with Cynthia he was able to find a good job and later returned to show off the car he had purchased. A short six months later, he was able to buy a home. “These are just a sampling of the stories I could tell,” says Cynthia. “I work with anywhere from 4-10 people every day and more than 200 a year. Some stay for a few hours, some stay for months, but they all need someone to care about them. I just hope this story will inspire others to look for opportunities to help too.”
One final thought from the woman who gives so much, “For all those that make this Christmas season brighter for others, may your joy be full.”
Cynthia’s story was also featured in the Standard Examiner. Check out the article HERE!
