Christie Dillard serves her community in so many ways. As a high school student, Christie spearheaded several fundraisers for two terminally ill children to help their families with expenses, raising a total of $10,000 and drawing in more than 4,000 people to the cause. When the Dickens Library was on the verge of closing six years ago, the then sixteen-year-old, knowing how crucial the library was to her community of 200, chaired the project to save it. She led the efforts in recruiting volunteers, designing financial and construction plans, planning the interior, hanging sheetrock, painting, and ordering furniture, fixtures, and books. The saved library now provides a safe, educational place for children after school, and a quiet reading and research spot for adults. She has since consulted with four area libraries on similar projects. Christie also conceived and organized the “We’ve Got You Covered” program in Spencer and Sioux Falls, providing warm clothing for disadvantaged children. She has coached Special Olympics for five years, as well.
Now Christie works with the Dickens Public Library board on special events and fundraising and grant writing ideas to expand the facilities. The library currently offers after-school programs for children, a summer reading program, and a Thursday-morning social hour for seniors. The library also hosts numerous events that help bind the community together, including holiday parties for the local children. Christie has not only helped save a town fixture, but also transformed it. Where once stood a library frequented by few now stands an inviting, exciting learning environment––one utilized daily by citizens of all ages.
Some of her more recent efforts include helping to provide true Christmas celebrations for the underprivileged. She also gives her time and efforts to groups such as the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and the Ronald McDonald House.
Christie Dillard dedicates much of her free time to working to better her community. When not helping an elderly ex-prison inmate adjust to life on the outside, she spends her days with the Sioux Falls community in an effort to train and employ local citizens. Her career choice seems clear: one in which she can give back to her community. Christie has great courage and energy and limitless compassion. One of just ten high school seniors nationally recognized by the Hitachi Foundation and one of four students recognized by the Hoover Presidential Museum, she has already made her mark, although she is not yet twenty-three. Christie has done so by responding with energy, commitment, and imagination when she sees a need.
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