#giveback
An interview with non-profit leader, Lindy McQuirk
Sometimes you meet someone and they touch your life because they are so inspiring. It’s not just the words that they speak or the way they present themselves but you can see it in their actions. They thrive on doing things for others and giving back is their hobby. That kind of person is Lindy McQuirk and I could not think of a better time in our world to feature her.
If you are a Reno local you have likely seen the bins for the Big Reno Coat Drive at your local Starbucks or business. You can donate a jacket and it will go to a child or person in need within our community. I look forward to seeing the bins each year because it’s an easy way to give back. It’s also nostalgic with the holidays and a great way to symbolize a giving season. Step 1, recovery is a local addiction treatment center and has been around for many years. Not only does Lindy provide strong leadership and an open heart for these organizations but those pertinent qualities grace her daily life.
In this interview, Lindy gives us an inside look at what started her passion for non-profits, a few details in between and how she feels giving back can make you a happier person.
1. Non-Profit love runs through your bloodstream, can you tell us why you love to be involved?
There are so many reasons why I love being involved in non-profits. A few of those reasons are; you start of slowly by helping others, and within time, you start to see, feel, and realize the change you’re making. It could be something so small, so minimal, but to the person or organization you are helping, it’s huge. And that feeling is contagious. Once people gain awareness of the change and impact you’re making, they want to join. Because, after all, who doesn’t want to partake in things that make our community a more positive, happier and healthier place to live in? (Especially during these rough and unknown times!)
Another reason I love being involved in the non-profit world, is the goal setting and the success that follows. When I set a goal within my non-profit(s), I get excited knowing that I will accomplish something big, something impactful, and I will kick ass while doing it. We need to raise 100k at an event? No problem. If you’re going to be successful in this arena, you have to be confident and carry a strong passion for that organization, otherwise your organization will go nowhere.
Lastly, I love the people I am surrounded by in the non-profit world. They are all humans with huge hearts, and individuals who are making a change in their own way, for their own reasons. Literally the best people, ever.
When I am directing our board meetings, or working with local companies who support my organizations, it’s truly my happy place. These people share the same passion, support my purpose, and truly want to help make our community a better place for everyone. That right there makes not only my heart beat, but my heart extremely happy.
As the chair of local organization, Step 1 Recovery, can you tell us about the mission of Step 1?
The mission of Step 1, Recovery, is quite simple: Serving the community by providing transitional housing and supportive services to adult men who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and who seek to re-enter society as self-sufficient, responsible fathers, individuals and citizens.
We have a 20- bed facility, with men coming straight from prison and completely changing their lives with the help of Step 1, Recovery. It’s a remarkable program, with remarkable success.
2. What has been your greatest success in life so far?
Hands down, bringing my two beautiful daughters into this world!
3. What would you say to the younger version of yourself?
Oooh… good question. Hmm. Slow down, Lindy. Enjoy the moment you’re in. Don’t make any irrational decisions without thinking them through. Those kinds of things can and will haunt you for life. ;)
4. We know you love to give back, can you tell us why and how you started Big Reno Coat Drive?
The Big Reno Coat Drive was founded in 2005 by a great friend and local Reno resident, Sean Nichols. Sean was overcoming personal challenges and decided that a great way to give back to our community was to collect coats for the less fortunate. Over the years, I helped Sean build the drive. The coat drive continued to grow at a rapid, successful rate. Fast forward to 2016, and the Big Reno Coat Drive was supported by over 50 local companies and providing thousands of winter coats to the less fortunate.
In 2016, we decided to obtain our 501(c)(3). To date, we have raised over 34,000 winter coats for local organizations and the less fortunate and have purchased over 3,200 brand new winter coats for local students at Title 1 schools in Northern Nevada.
5. We know that you have two beautiful daughters and two step-sons, what do they remind you to focus on in life?
Honestly, my four children remind me to focus on everything that is important.
Forgetting about the materialistic stuff and being grateful for what we have in front of us. There is no doubt that being a Mom to four young children keeps me busy and requires A LOT of patience, but it also keeps me grounded. They remind me daily to appreciate the small things, the small (but important) moments, and to slow down. Time is not stopping for anyone, so we must enjoy every second as it is presented.
And… most importantly, I am reminded to raise my children to be grateful, respectful, and well mannered. Children who will always be the first to lend a hand, or help someone out. We need that in our world now, more than ever.
6. What is something no one knows about you?
Hmmm. I’m a pretty open book, so this question is tricky; but something that no one really knows about me is that I really, really, dislike clothes shopping. I would rather be doing anything, but THAT. J
7. We know that you enjoy getting outdoors, can you tell us your favorite local spot?
My favorite local spot is anywhere with a green course! Lakeridge, Wolf Run, Toyiabe, and Edgewood are some of my favorite spots.
Can you tell us, have you ever gotten a hole in one? I never win those cars…
8. What is the first song on your playlist right now?
“All In,” by Nitti Gritti (feat. Jimmy Levy)… if you have not heard, go listen, now. :)
Hey Siri, play…on now!
BONUS
9. How would you encourage someone to start helping within their community?
First, figure out what inspires you, what motivates you, or what kind of change you want to see in your community. From there, reach out to that organization and get INVOLVED. People don’t realize how amazing it feels to give back, until they actually start. If I lived in the perfect world, it would be mandatory for everyone to be involved in at least one non-profit. ;)
Love the positivity I feel after reading this! The interview leads me to think of an amazing quote by Lao Tzu;
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” - Lao Tzu
Get involved. Take the first step. In life we often have struggles and even more so recently with all of the heaviness in the world. We need to continue to remember that we can always help, we can always find a way. In light of this interview and recent world events I encourage you to ask yourself, how can we treat ourselves better? What can we do for others that will help them? It’s up to us and being able to give back is timeless, regardless of present day events. We are all in this together. Together, we’ll go farther.
Thank you, Lindy McQuirk, for letting us get to know you. The local Reno/Tahoe community is fortunate to have you and your giving spirit.
You can learn more about the Big Reno Coat Drive and Step 1, Recovery by following these links.
Instagram: @bigrenocoatdrive @step1_recovery
Facebook: Big Reno Coat Drive Step 1, Recovery
#giveback