Lifetouch Volunteerism

Tribute to the Troops

Center City, Minn.

"When you showed up at our house, we were blown away," said the mother of a fallen soldier, after a procession of 300 motorcyclists arrived to pay their respects. The cyclists were part of an annual ride culminating in a benefit concert arranged by "Tribute to the Troops," a volunteer organization providing an avenue for Americans to acknowledge the sacrifice of military families. Jill Schaefer and Bill Stephan, senior designers at Lifetouch Church Directories and Portraits and Lifetouch National School Studios, volunteered their talents to design the event's promotional materials. Lifetouch Media Productions also produced a television documentary. "With Lifetouch's help, we raised more than $50,000 for families of soldiers who have lost their lives," said Gregg Schmitt, the organization's executive director.

Camp Kindle

 Fremont, Neb.

A shout rang out, “The books are here!” and 100 kids came running. It was the last day at Camp Kindle and as the campers signed each other’s books, there were bear hugs, belly laughs, and happy tears.  The memory book was a gift of the Lifetouch production facility in Kansas City, Mo. and helps kids remember a week of fun and friendships — a special time indeed for these children diagnosed with HIV. More than 40 employees helped create the book. When the pictures arrived from camp midweek, the team published the book in two days so copies could be delivered in person. "The project does as much for our spirits as the children's spirits," said Marlene Klare, production scheduler and originator of the project. 

Pictures With Santa

Kansas City, Mo. 

A visit with Santa should be a right of childhood. Phil Tubbs, Lifetouch Portrait Studios territory manager, is a personal friend of Santa's and invited him to the annual St. Vincent's Christmas party, where 300 children from an inner city after-school program had their picture taken with  Santa. "The kids went a little crazy," Phil said. "For most of them, this was a first. We brought colored paper, glitter, stars, and stickers so the kids could make frames for their pictures and give them as gifts to their moms and dads. We also brought a big candy cane for each child. Just to hear their laughter and see the excitement on their faces filled us all with the holiday spirit."