“Plant Trees You’ll Never Enjoy the Shade Of”: Rogelio Lechuga

Today, thousands of volunteers will gather in every corner of Chicago and roll up their sleeves in an effort to transform the city.

Chicago Cares’ 22nd annual Serve-a-Thon is just one day of year-round volunteer support and programming provided by the organization. Since 1991, Chicago Cares has activated 500,000 people in service to address critical issues across the City.

One of these individuals, Rogelio Lechuga, volunteers through Chicago Cares at the San Jose Obrero Mission shelter for women. His time there giving back has inspired him to pursue a Master’s degree in nonprofit management.

Why does he volunteer? Rogelio recalls the words of his grandfather: “For a community to really work, you must be willing to plant the seeds of trees you’ll never enjoy the shade of.”