2025 Volunteer of the Year

Megan Thatcher

The Treasure Chest Foundation has recognized Alsip resident Megan Thatcher as its Volunteer of the Year for 2025. This prestigious annual award celebrates the dedication and commitment of the Foundation’s volunteers, who consistently devote their time and efforts.

Megan has been a dedicated contributor to the Foundation for many years, organizing events at Alsip’s Dakota Inn where she is the manager. These events include their annual soup cook-off and the weekly Queen of Hearts raffle, along with other events they’ve hosted over the years.

Megan’s heartfelt passion for helping others and her unwavering commitment to the Treasure Chest Foundation highlight the incredible impact one person can make when they dedicate themselves to a greater cause. Recently, we had the chance to gain insight into what drives Megan’s dedication to volunteering.

How did you first hear about the Treasure Chest Foundation?

I learned about the Treasure Chest Foundation when my lifelong best friend Kim Perchez invited me to meet the Founder Colleen and see the work they do. Kim had been involved with the Foundation for years, and she often spoke about the profound impact the Foundation had on the kids and their families. Inspired by their mission, I began volunteering after that initial visit.

Do you have a special memory from your time spent volunteering for the Treasure Chest Foundation?

When I think back on my time volunteering for the Treasure Chest Foundation, two experiences stand out as my absolute favorites. Two of the years that Dakota Inn held St. Patrick’s Day parties, my husband worked as a guest bartender and donated all the tips he made to the Foundation. They were such fun events and it felt so good seeing everyone come together to support such a great cause.

Have you had any opportunities to learn about or experience firsthand the fruits of your labors—the positive impact the toys have had on young cancer patients?

I was absolutely honored when Colleen asked me to help a little girl explore all the toys in the warehouse. Her face lit up as we walked through and saw all the toys that were donated by generous donors. This beautiful little girl had the biggest smile when she had the opportunity to pick out gifts.

It really hit me how something as simple as a toy can bring so much happiness and mean the world to a child. Watching her that day made me appreciate even more what the Foundation is all about.

Please share your overall impressions of the Treasure Chest Foundation. How has it been working for the Foundation over the years?

Being part of an organization that truly impacts the lives of others is an incredibly special experience. Working with the Treasure Chest Foundation has been nothing short of amazing for me and my family. The Foundation fills me with gratitude, reminding me every day how lucky I am to have four healthy children.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my husband, Ray Thatcher, my family, friends and the wonderful patrons of Dakota Inn, whose unwavering support means the world to me.