Featured Volunteers

Jeffery Norton

Appleton, Wisconsin

Direct Sales Representative Jeffery Norton is deeply committed to giving back, supporting dozens of nonprofit organizations focused on causes such as suicide prevention, veteran services, food pantries, youth programs, and more. Known for volunteering year-round and inviting others to join him, Jeffery leads by example and inspires fellow associates to make a difference in their communities.

“For me, it’s about showing people that even a couple of hours can make a real difference,” Jeffery said. “It doesn’t always mean giving money. Giving your time—and your heart—can truly change someone’s life.”

April Chaney

Green Cove Springs, Florida

Coordinator of Compliance April Chaney goes above and beyond to serve her community through her local church. Earlier this year, April launched a weekly bus ministry to transport children to and from youth group, helping families who couldn’t otherwise attend.

“We had a huge influx of people saying their children would love to go to church, but, for example, they had to work and couldn’t take them. Within the first few weeks, we were completely full,” April said.

She also volunteers with Upward Sports as a soccer coach and cheer director, living out her commitment to service and faith.

Brandy Smith

Knoxville, Tennessee

For nearly 24 years, Brandy Smith has been a force for good in Knoxville, Tennessee. Inspired by a childhood letter from her grandmother, Brandy has dedicated her life to serving the unhoused and elderly through her work with Powell United Methodist Church.

She launched a monthly tent ministry that provides hot meals, veterinary care, and health supplies to those in need—powered by a team of 15+ volunteers and donations from across the country. Brandy also leads the church’s Benevolence Committee, helping neighbors with rent, utilities, and other essentials.

Her Facebook group, Helping Hands, now 1,700 members strong, offers a safe space for people to ask for or offer help. Brandy’s goal? To expand services even further—connecting people with housing, healthcare, and hope.

“My hope is these programs continue to grow and reach the folks that need us,” said Smith. “I would love to expand the tent ministry to include additional resources, like providing help in securing housing, obtaining essential documents like IDs, Social Security cards, and birth certificates, as well as providing more health care and mental health resources..”

John Matrazzo

St Mary's, Georgia

For Associate Manager of Field Services John Matrazzo, giving back is second nature. Whether it’s opening his home to local youth or supporting foster children at summer camp, John finds purpose in being there for kids who need it most.

John wears many hats at his church. He helps the IT department, assists with maintenance, and works with kids. Every Wednesday, John and his wife host a youth group of 40 to 50 kids at their home. On Sundays, he leads a Sunday School class for third to fifth-grade boys.

It was through his church that John discovered the Royal Family KIDS Camp, a week-long camp for foster children.

“For me, it’s about being there for these kids and showing them someone cares,” John said. “Anytime I’m having a bad day, I think back to those kids and their resilience. It’s given me patience, perspective, and a greater appreciation for what I have.”

John’s unwavering dedication to others truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism at TDS. His story is a powerful testament to the profound difference one person can make—one child at a time.