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Meet Your Neighbor: Joanie McCarty
By: Callie Thomas
This month, many of us will consider what we want to accomplish in the year ahead…new resolutions, aspirations or just taking time to appreciate others and embrace life with a bit more gusto. Resident Joanie McCarty is not one to stand on the sidelines of her life and is an inspiration on becoming more involved with family, home, work and helping others throughout the community.
Although originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wis., McCarty and her family moved to Southern California, then on to Naperville, Ill. and finally to Las Vegas five and a half years ago. Joanie and her husband, Alan, have been married for the past 37 years and have three sons, John, Robert and Matthew. She has always stayed active in her children’s lives and while her husband was a Little League Coach for all of the boys, she was their team mom. She also ran the Little League Snack Bar, and when her kids were in grammar school was the PTA president, room mom for class parties and field trips, and a teacher’s aide when they were in the 3rd grade helping under achievers.
When her children were older she decided to go back to work in accounting, a career she had started prior to being a stay at home mom. She worked for Lawry’s Foods Inc., where she learned more about fundraisers and getting involved in the community. As a newcomer to Las Vegas, McCarty came upon The Assistance League where she found truly caring, giving women who were making a difference. She joined the group as a volunteer but also found many new friends. Joanie talks about her work with the organization and why she tries never to miss a Green Bay Packers game.
How did you get involved with The Assistance League?
“The day I went to their new member’s coffee, I really didn’t think I would join, but thought, what the heck, I’ll go check this out. It was raining and I looked like a drowned rat. I walked in and saw the beautiful fresh flowers on the tables and everything was first class. As I listened to the president and all the speakers and took the tour of the facility, I knew this is where I belong.”
What is your role with the group?
“I am the chairman of their Thrift Shop. The shop’s income takes care of the Assistance League facilities and Operation School Bell. I got involved because I feel every child needs a good start in life and when I saw the way The Assistance League works for our community children I knew I had to be a part of this wonderful organization.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
“It’s so satisfying when I hear the customers compliment our prices, the merchandise, the cleanliness and our wonderful volunteers. We have customers who come in here every day, as it is their social place to meet. People may not be able to afford a nice outfit or a new pair of shoes and they are thrilled with the merchandise. It brings a smile to my face to see them excited about what they’ve found.”
What would you say you are you most passionate about?
“My grandchildren. They live in Chicago but we get to spend time with them in the summer. I try to teach them games and things that I did when I was young like swimming, skating and hula hoop and try to get them away from the video games. We tell stories at night and I get a hundred kisses and hugs before tucking them in.”
So… we hear you’re a “Cheesehead”?
“Yes, I’m an avid Green Bay Packers fan and try not to miss ANY games. If they win it really starts my week and if they lose I am really sad, but I’m over it by the next Sunday.”
For more information on The Assistance League visit www.assistanceleague.org.
