By JULIE KEANE, Globe staff reporter
August 26, 2004

Chad Driscoll has been volunteering in his parish, community and school for as long as he can remember in hopes of helping others while helping himself and building his faith.

"As far as I can remember I have always wanted to help out," said Driscoll, a 2004 graduate of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City. "A lot of that came from my parents. I have always wanted to help where I can. I want to be a role model. I don't do it for the publicity. I do it for me."

He has volunteered with many school and community organizations throughout the last several years. He was actively involved in his high school as president of the Mission Club and the Students for Life and Life Core Group.

"I was co-chair for the Miracle Makers, where we raised $10,000 by fundraising," he said. "We had an open mic night where students sang, played instruments and read poetry. Something new we started was the Cornstalk. Students made movies and then students came to watch the movies and we judged the best one."

Along with being active in his high school, Driscoll volunteers as an Eucharistic Minister and an altar server at his parish Nativity in Sioux City. He also has helped at the Soup Kitchen and the Gospel Mission, in Sioux City. Driscoll said through volunteering with the Soup Kitchen and the Gospel Mission he has become more grateful for all that God has given him, which drives him to continue volunteering and helping the less fortunate.

"I feel most of the time volunteering has helped me be more aware of my faith," he said. "I am thankful. Volunteering has helped me grow closer to God. Some of the reactions you see - you are so thankful for life. It helps you get involved in the community and organizations."

Along with using his talents at the local and parish levels, he has given his time to serve the larger local church.

Driscoll served for two years on the Diocesan Youth Ministry Core team. This is a group of adults and youth from the diocese that plan diocesan level activities such as the Youth Rally.

Although Driscoll will be leaving Sioux City and attending St. Ambrose College this fall, he said he still plans to continue his volunteer work. He has not decided what he plans to study, but knows he wants to get involved with the campus ministry program and hopefully take a mission trip. Driscoll said he also plans on continuing his work with Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation because he feels they are both very important causes.

"Volunteering is a good way to serve your community and get involved with your faith and serve your church," he noted. "For those who are volunteering, I wish them luck. I hope they can succeed and have some of the same experiences I had."