Ada O’Quain, 31, considers volunteerism “heart work.”

“It’s the stuff that feeds your soul and keeps you going,” she said. “Being able to give back to the community that means so much to me has never felt like work.”

“It has always been a joy.”

Currently, she works at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as the Development Officer for the Foundation at LCMH.

When she is not working, O’Quain volunteers with the Catholic Daughters of America at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. She helps as the cheer coach at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and as a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

She also assists with the Junior League of Lake Charles.

O’Quain, who has lived in Southwest Louisiana with her family since she was 3 years old, was inspired to volunteer from watching her parents participate in altruistic activities. “My parents have always been very philanthropic people,” she explained. “They were giving to anyone and everyone they could, whenever they could.”

As a result, she has been volunteering throughout her life. She stated that she took any and all opportunities to volunteer at school and church. “My parents, aunts and uncles, and extended family loved to be involved in the community, so it was not a new thing for me.”

O’Quain believes that the backbone of Southwest Louisiana is the community’s willingness to lend a helping hand. “Our community thrives on giving to others and leaning on your neighbors in a time of need.”

For O’Quain, the Lake Charles community would not be as vibrant as it currently is without altruism. “This community has always thrived on being able to lean on one another,” she said. “I grew up believing in that, and I know it still holds true to this day.”

It is important for people to know that volunteerism does not have to be a result of monetary donations. “Giving your time and talents can be just as valuable to someone’s cause.”

O’Quain wants people who are considering volunteerism to “Get involved!”

“I have never regretted being a part of helping my community. Not once,” she said. “It has always made me a better person to help those in need and to be helped when I am in need.”