When on a site visit, Noel and I (Emily Jo) would spend a lot of time in the car together waiting on clients and case managers or stuck in traffic. That time was spent telling stories and explaining protocols. One of the most memorable stories Noel told me was that of Dennis Bouck and the fridge.
Dennis and his wife Kathy were some of our original volunteers. They were there in the early days when we operated out of Asbury United Methodist’s parking lot. On this particular Renest in 2011 or 2012, Dennis, Kathy, Noel, and a group of Renesters were serving an Easter Seals client that had just moved into a house in Shreveport. It was near Christmas so the team brought a tree and decorations along with the furniture and household items for the family.
A group of Renesters from the early days! That’s Dennis on the far right.
As the Renesters worked, the family shared that their journey in their new home had been a difficult one so far. They had little to no furniture in their new home and the holidays were fast approaching. Their young son had special medical needs that required refrigerated medicine. Unfortunately, shortly before the Renest, someone had stolen the copper out of their refrigerator and air conditioner meaning their son’s medication could not be kept cool.
It was heartbreaking, but what could be done.
Dennis left in his truck while Kathy, Noel, and the other Renesters put the finishing touches on the family’s new home. A little time went by and Dennis returned… with a brand new refrigerator in the bed of his truck. He’d been so bothered by what had happened that he’d gone out and purchased the fridge with his own money so this family could take care of their son’s needs without worry.
Dennis during moving day!
Renesting is blessed to have amazing volunteers that routinely go above and beyond what is asked of them. Dennis was one of the first and most memorable examples of the generous and powerful spirit of our volunteers. We are so glad to be able to share this incredible story.
Our volunteers impact Renesting in big and small ways every time they’re at the Nest donating their time. If you’re interested in volunteering, just give us a call! We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am to 3pm and the 2nd Saturday of every month from 8am to 11am.
Does not surprise me at all!! I have known Dennis and Kathy since the 70’s. They are both kind and caring persons. Even though I do not see them often now I know that I could ask just about anything of them and they would respond or show up!! They are my friends and really good people. Proud to know them.
We are proud to know them too! We are so glad they blessed Renesting with their generous spirits!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Becky!
I’m not surprised in the least! This is my “Big Brother”, the oldest of us four. He is one of the most positive people I’ve ever known…..it has carried him through some rough spots in his own life. I’m proud of you Denny! Love you❤️❤️❤️
We love reading these comments! Thanks so much for sharing with us and for reading and commenting!
I have known Dennis for several years and this does not come as anything unusual for Dennis!! He and his wife Kathy are real people full of love and caring and are the epitome of Christianity!!!
Amen! Thank you for reading and commenting!