Growing Change and Cultivating Community in Chicago

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree McKenzie Closen. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Since 2017, McKenzie Closen has been a dedicated volunteer with Chicago Cares, bringing her passion for community service to one of Chicago’s most cherished green spaces: the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Her commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement led her to take on a leadership role in 2021, where she has since led over 20 projects and guided more than 100 volunteers. Through her work, McKenzie is not only preserving a vital urban oasis but also cultivating a culture of service and sustainability.

Each month, McKenzie spends three hours leading a team of volunteers who support the Conservatory staff with various greenhouse maintenance tasks. From tending to plants and assisting with upkeep to ensuring the space remains welcoming for visitors, her efforts help sustain the programs that make the Conservatory a valuable resource for the community.

Beyond her hands-on work, McKenzie recognizes the broader impact of investing in green spaces. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is more than just a greenhouse—it’s a space for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. By maintaining and preserving it, McKenzie helps provide a place where individuals can find peace, reconnect with nature and engage in meaningful learning experiences.

Read on to find out more about why McKenzie is passionate about bringing people together through shared service and how she’s helping to reshape how individuals perceive their city and their role in its future.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I’m a volunteer leader through Chicago Cares, and each month I lead a group of 10 to 15 volunteers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory (LPC) in Chicago. It’s such a beautiful space, and it requires a ton of hands-on work to keep the plants thriving for the community to come and see. Having these larger groups of volunteers is essential for supporting the small but mighty LPC staff that maintains the community-facing spaces and behind-the-scenes greenhouses. We help with everything from pruning to washing pots to making art installations for their seasonal flower shows. The plants are constantly in transition to mimic the changing seasons, moving from greenhouses to the outdoors to a dark, refrigerated cellar to hibernate for the winter, so we also help to move large numbers of plants during these phases.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

About eight years ago, I experienced a devastating loss and was searching for ways to find connection and community. I knew that supporting others would put things in perspective for me, so I found Chicago Cares, an organization that supports volunteerism by connecting volunteers with projects that need them. I tried out several different projects, but once I found LPC, I found my place. I’ve always loved nature, and having the opportunity to serve the community while getting to be around plants and other plant-loving volunteers was just what I needed.

Why is this issue so important to you?

For many people, myself included, being in nature and around plants is so important for mental health and wellness. Especially in a city where green space is limited and in a climate with long periods of cold and grey, having a warm, green, blooming space can be very therapeutic. Also, the more that the community can learn about plants, the more we hope they will care about conserving green spaces and be aware of environmental issues like climate change.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is after each volunteer day, seeing the amount of progress we were able to make on the project we were given that day. With large groups, we’re able to accomplish days’ worth of work in just three hours. The LPC staff is always so appreciative, and the volunteers leave feeling like they really made a difference—because they did!

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

There are so many reasons to get involved. Volunteering benefits you and the community you’re serving, and there’s a huge ripple effect of positive impact. Like my story, in times when you feel lost or hopeless, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose. Dedicating time to a cause you care about can also help you find meaning and build connections in unexpected places. It can remind you of the bigger picture and you’ll feel good about doing something positive for the world around you!

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” volunteer opportunity. Just pick one and get started! It’s okay to try out a bunch of different ones until you find the one that feels right for you.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to see that volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s also about receiving. When I first started, I was looking for connection and healing, and through service, I found both. I hope my story shows that even in times of personal struggle, stepping outside of ourselves to support others can lead to unexpected joy, purpose and community. No act of service is too small, and when we come together, we can make a meaningful impact—not just for the cause we support, but in our own lives as well.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like McKenzie? Find local volunteer opportunities.