“Why would I want to sit at home when I can enjoy great people and help people too?”

Some people are natural givers who are tuned in to the needs of others and feel it their duty to assist. Connie Evans is one such person. Not only has she been a volunteer at Together We Cope for six years, but donated 355 hours this past year. She is the mother of three and a retired librarian of forty years. Currently, Connie lives in Tinley Park and shares a home with her oldest daughter.

A native of Quincy, Illinois, Connie grew up on a working farm with no running water, no electricity, and had never been to a grocery store until she moved with her husband to Chicago. Not really caring for the big city, she moved to the suburbs. Eventually, Connie’s nurturing nature impelled her to become a foster parent. When she talks of her experiences with her foster children, you can see the love she still has for them. One such child touched her so deeply that she felt compelled to adopt him after caring for him for a year and a half.

In an effort to be close to her children and spend as much time with them as possible, Connie worked as a librarian in her children’s schools; eventually retiring from Evergreen Park Library. As an avid reader with little time to indulge, she made a list of books that she needed to read. Upon her retirement she began her quest. Eight years later, Connie’s list of 150 has dwindled down to 21 books.

Being the type of person she is, Connie has used her retirement years to help others. So far, she counts that she has crocheted 104 lap robes for patients in hospice. Recently, she has started crocheting caps for preemies at Hope Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she is always on the look out for a good puzzle to donate to the veterans in Manteno and Hines Veterans Hospitals.

Connie took notice when the Sensible Shoppe opened and decided to stop in one day. She was informed of the goals of the shop and its connection to Together We Cope. She noticed how friendly and happy the employees and volunteers were. She knew this was a special place and that she wanted to be a part of it. “I look forward to being here,” she says. “It’s like a warm, comfortable blanket.”

When asked about why she donates so much time to various causes, Connie smiles and says that she does not understand why anyone wouldn’t. “When I do things to help other people, I get a good feeling in return.” “Why would I want to sit at home when I can enjoy great people and help people too?”

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