The Golden Scoop in Overland Park, Kansas, is more than just an ice cream shop. It’s a community hub where volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the mission and operations of the café. Many of these volunteers are high school and college students, eager to gain experience and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Volunteers Making a Difference
Among the volunteers are occupational therapy (OT) students like Abby and Clare, who are gaining field experience as part of their academic requirements. Both chose The Golden Scoop for its unique environment and the opportunity to learn from Program Director Hannah Buechler, who holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Clare shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I really like the mission of The Golden Scoop. I was excited to come and see everything that was going on here.” Abby echoed this sentiment, noting her connection to the café through family and her eagerness to be part of the team.
Learning and Growing
The experience at The Golden Scoop offers more than just volunteer hours. It provides a chance to see how occupational therapy principles are applied in a real-world setting. Clare remarked on the value of observing how Hannah targets each Super Scooper’s goals and supports them, adding, “We love it; there’s so much more to it than I thought.”
Abby and Clare both emphasized the fun and engaging environment at The Golden Scoop, where they not only help serve ice cream but also learn about the operations behind the scenes. Clare noted, “If people just came in one time, they would fall in love with it and have to come back!”
Community Impact
The Golden Scoop’s mission resonates with its volunteers and the broader community. By providing a supportive space for individuals to learn and grow, the café fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Abby and Clare’s experiences highlight the positive impact that volunteering can have on both the individuals involved and the community they serve.
The Golden Scoop is located at 9540 Nall Avenue and 10460 W 103rd Street in Overland Park, Kansas. The café is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 7pm, and on Sundays at varying hours depending on the location.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
