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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet the Neighbor – Noreen Pico & Karen and Kathryn Martin
By Callie Thomas
Noreen Pico is a notable artist, but her current passion is inspiring the art of volunteerism. In fact, the 89074 resident has motivated two generations of women to offer their time and talents to assist children in need throughout the community. Noreen, her daughter Karen and grand-daughter Kathryn are all dedicated to making a difference through the Assistance League of Las Vegas.
Six is a lucky number for Pico. She’s a mother of six and a grandmother of six. Busy could not begin to describe her lifestyle: raising kids with her husband of 55 years, Jim; adoring her grandchildren, who range in age from fourteen to twenty-one; and pursuing a career as a successful watercolor artist. She’s had many showings and shared her gifts by teaching art classes in the community for many years. Through it all, volunteerism has remained a constant in her life. In fact, Pico found a way to integrate her love of art with her passion for giving. She founded a program called the Suitcase Gallery, bringing artwork and art lessons into fifth grade classrooms across the valley as a member of Junior League, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and developing the potential of women while improving the community through action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Pico has made a difference in other ways, too. Her example has influenced her own children and grandchildren to lend a hand in the community. All three women are dedicated through the Assistance League of Las Vegas, which offers several programs that assist children, particularly through their Operation School Bell Program. The mother, daughter and granddaughter trio talked about their passion for giving and why volunteerism will always be a part of their lives.
What attracted you to the Assistance League of Las Vegas?
Noreen: “As a mother and grandmother, providing for the needs of children has always been my highest priority. I also donate my clothes to the thrift store at Assistance League as it is run entirely by volunteers and all of their proceeds go right back to the community.”
How can the public support the thrift store?
“Our Thrift Shop is happy to resell items you no longer need! We gladly accept gently used clothing, household items and furniture. Our Thrift Shop is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.”
You, your daughter Karen and granddaughter Kathryn are also involved in Operation School Bell Program?
Noreen: “Yes, we’ve all been involved. I’ve loved participating in this program and sharing my time to help children in need.”
Karen: “I believe in volunteer service and doing what I can to make a difference in the community. I learned this from both my mother and father. I love dressing and visiting with children as they come into the Operation School Bell ‘shop.’ I have always loved picking out clothing for my own children and this program gives me an opportunity to do what I love and provide fashionable clothing, shoes and supplies to children from families with extreme need, who are referred to us by the Clark County School District. The simple act of providing new school clothing gives these children renewed self esteem and improved school attendance.”
Kathryn, how are you involved with the Assistance League?
“I’ve been a part of Assisteens since the 8th grade and I’m a senior now at Bishop Gorman High School. I love working directly with the kids at Operation School Bell. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend two National Assisteens conferences and am currently the Membership Chairman of the auxiliary, and I plan on continuing my work with the children even after I graduate.”
What do you think makes you and your family successful in life?
Noreen: “Never give up! It’s important to keep plugging away and maintaining a positive attitude, no matter the obstacles.”
So happy you are passing your gift on! And kudos on your continuing volunteer work!
Would love to make contact with you! (think….old hairstylist!)