Featured Volunteers

Lindsay Trustem

Evansville, Wisconsin

Animal rescue has been a passion for Senior Project Manager Lindsay Trustem since she was a child. The daughter of two animal-loving parents, Lindsay grew up in a home filled with various rescue animals.

When Lindsay was 18 and living on her own for the first time, she adopted her first animal—an abandoned cat named Calvin. Less than a year later, she adopted two rescue pit bull mixes. For the last 20 years, she’s been an active pet foster and volunteer, rehabbing and fostering at least two rescue pit bulls at any given time.

In that timeframe, she’s also been an active volunteer at several rescue organizations and non-profits, including The Cats Pawjamas Rescue (Albany, Wisc.), Misfit Felines Rescue (Stoughton, Wisc.), Brown Paws Dog Rescue (Edgerton, Wisc.), Diamond Dogs Rescue (Madison, Wisc.), the Paws Humane Society (Rockford, Ill.), Rescue Railroad (Chicago, Ill.), and Czar’s Promise (Madison, Wisc.). Lindsay’s special ability to heal any animal through love and care—even the most emotionally damaged souls—has gained her an impressive reputation in the local animal rescue community. She is often called upon by local shelters to help rehab struggling animals.

“I know some believe that if you volunteer a lot, you don’t need to tell the world about it,” Lindsay said. “I love how TDS emphasizes and recognizes its associates for the work they do in their communities, because I believe talking about it is the best way for others to discover their love for volunteering.”

Matthew Ivens

Middleton, Wisconsin

Whether it’s at Meals on Wheels, the Freemasonry, his children’s’ activities, or just seeing a person in need, Senior Sales Engineer Matthew Ivens is always quick to lend a helping hand.

A resident of Middleton, Wisconsin, Matt began his volunteerism delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program. He’s also been active and held several leadership roles with Wisconsin Freemasonry—helping men over the age of 18 become better individuals, community members, fathers, and partners.

Matt’s kids are now at the center of many of his activities, as he continues to stay busy coaching youth soccer, chaperoning trips, and volunteering at school.

For Matt, volunteering has multiple purposes. Not only is it about helping others, but he also gets a sense of fulfillment, builds new friendships, and grows as a person.

“Growing up, my parents always set a strong example to get involved and help out where you can,” Matt said. “Because of that, it can be hard for me to stand on the sidelines when something needs to be done, or when someone needs help and I have the resources available (like time, money, or knowledge) to help. We only have a short time on this planet, and for me, I feel I need to do as much good as I can while I’m here.”

Tammy Brown

Janesville, Wisconsin

Volunteering is in Lead Data Analyst Tammy Brown’s DNA.

“I love volunteering because I can see the results of my efforts in the world around me, and I know that I am making a difference,” Tammy said.

For the past 15 years, Tammy and her husband, Tim, have been active volunteers at many Relay for Life events on behalf of the American Cancer Society (ACS)—supporting patient programs and cancer research. For eight years, the couple led Relay for Life in their community, helping raise more than $500,000.

Tammy is also involved in the nonpartisan lobbying affiliate of ACS, the ACS-Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN). In fact, Tammy was directly involved in the advocacy efforts for then-Vice President Joe Biden’s Moonshot Initiative, which led to the passage of the STAR-ACT (Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research).

Tammy also teaches children financial literacy through her involvement with Junior Achievement, serves as a chief elections inspector at Janesville elections, and volunteers with her local church.

Pamela Hayn

Nampa, Idaho

Pamela Hayn, associate manager of Field Marketing in Boise, Idaho, is a vital resource for nonprofits seeking assistance in her community. Known for her extensive volunteer efforts, Pamela supports a wide range of organizations either in her free time or through her role with TDS, including homeless shelters, the Humane Society, food drives, and more.

“Volunteering has become something so vitally important to me. It’s so rewarding,” Pamela said. “One of my favorite parts of my job is getting out and giving back to the community.”

One of Pamela’s most significant contributions last year was leading the West Valley Humane Society’s Furball Gala. Pamela and her colleague, Trisha, handled every aspect of the event, from designing the logo and sponsorship kit to securing the venue and decorating. Their efforts resulted in raising $56,000— significantly aiding the Humane Society’s mission to care for animals. This dedication led to Pamela being elected to the organization’s board of directors.

Pamela also organizes TDS volunteer groups for events like Earth Day tree plantings, Clean Up Nampa, and Rake Up Nampa. Her established relationships with various organizations make her a go-to contact when help is needed. For instance, when the Nampa Family Justice Center requested hygiene kits, Pamela swiftly allocated resources to meet the need.

“We stretch our philanthropic dollars like crazy,” Pamela said. “Anything we can do to help and make things a little better, we try to do.”