Community Spotlight: A Legacy of Service with Ms. Toni
In the heart of Baltimore, there are individuals whose dedication make Parks & People’s mission come to life. One particularly remarkable volunteer is Ms. Toni, whose eight-year journey with the organization precisely embodies the spirit of service that continues to transform neighborhoods and offers summer programming for Baltimore youth.
When Ms. Toni first spotted the iconic Parks & People campus in Druid Hill Park, she became curious about the possibility of volunteering. “I wanted something to do,” she recalls. “I just love working with people. It’s meaningful to my heart, wanting to see the outcomes and how satisfied people are at the end of the day.
Ms. Toni has had the opportunity to wear many hats. Her journey here first began as a volunteer with the girls’ soccer and softball camps.
Now at the headquarters, Ms. Toni plays a pivotal role in supporting camper registration for the upcoming summer camp. Last year, she was responsible for organizing T-shirts across the camp sites, collecting sizes, and ensuring each child received the right shirt – a significant undertaking that contributed greatly to creating a sense of belonging and community for the campers.
She finds joy in the behind-the-scenes administrative work, as she brings a wealth of experience given her degree in business management and extensive professional background working across city, state, and federal levels of government, including for a senator.
“The people I work with now, they're so kind and they are so smart and busy – constantly busy,” she says. “I enjoy that because I like busy work. I've really enjoyed dealing with office work and management.”
Ms.Toni finds joy in the behind-the-scenes administrative work
In fact, Ms. Toni has been a lifelong volunteer whose commitment to community service extends far beyond her current role at Parks & People. Her passion for giving back is deeply rooted in a long history of public service, including significant work in public safety, where her outstanding dedication was recognized by the American Probation and Parole Association. “I volunteered all my life,” she explains simply, reflecting on her professional journey and personal mission. “I'm a civil servant. I just like volunteering and giving back to the community.”
So, what motivates Ms. Toni to come back year after year? “The vision of Parks & People with the green space, and the Superkids Camp in particular,” she says. “Parks & People is making a difference in their community, and that’s important.”
She offers a similar encouragement for those interested in volunteering with Parks & People, sharing, “Their experience would be rewarding, no matter what aspect of Parks & People they work in, because in all the different aspects I worked, I was rewarded in each and every one of them. I think it's a great organization. I just enjoy the people, and I think what they're doing in this community is awesome.”
What shines throughout Ms. Toni’s own story is not just what she does, but how she does it: with warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong belief in the power of community engagement. With her own unwavering dedication and positivity, Ms. Toni continues to inspire those around her, underscoring how lasting community impact begins with individuals who are willing to show up and care deeply.
Parks & People's mission is to improve Baltimore through green space and education. For those interested in volunteering with Parks & People, please visit https://www.parksandpeople.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@parksandpeople.org for more information.
