Volunteer Appreciation Month Spotlight: Markenever and Mikenever Dai

Celebrating Our Volunteers in April

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time to recognize the everyday heroes who give their time and talents to uplift others. At El Nido Family Centers, our volunteers are vital partners in building stronger, more connected communities across Los Angeles. 

Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible individuals who make our mission possible. Today, we’re proud to introduce Markenever and Mikenever Dai—two brothers whose dedication, warmth, and smiles light up every space they’re in. 

Double the Impact

Markenever and Mikenever first joined El Nido through our virtual tutoring program, supporting sixth-grade students with math and English. “It was incredibly rewarding to see their progress and build supportive relationships,” they shared.

A family friend encouraged them to check out El Nido’s Farmers Market in Pacoima. They soon became regulars, helping on Saturdays and during school breaks. Whether they’re running arts and crafts stations, setting up games, or just being a friendly face, they help turn the market into a space where kids can laugh, play, and feel safe.

“We volunteer with El Nido because of the people and the purpose,” they explain. “The welcoming atmosphere and shared goal of building a stronger, healthier community drew us in—and keeps us coming back.”

Finding Connection at El Nido

For the Dai brothers, volunteering has helped reshape their perspective of Los Angeles.

“Through events like Christmas 2023, the Gala, and the weekly Farmers Markets, we’ve connected with families and fellow volunteers we might never have met otherwise,” they said. “We’ve seen how even the smallest moments—like sharing a puzzle or creating crafts—can spark real joy and connection. But what’s been most meaningful is the chance to keep coming back and build trust over time. By showing up consistently, we’ve become familiar, steady faces—people the kids recognize and feel comfortable with. That kind of connection means everything. We learn just as much from them as we hope they learn from us.”

One moment that sticks with them is meeting Alex, a nurse who also volunteers her weekends at El Nido’s Farmers Market. Her commitment to helping others, both professionally and personally, left a lasting impression.

“The stories we’ve heard and the people we’ve met have made volunteering deeply personal and meaningful,” they shared. 

Resilience in Every Smile

When asked what resilience means to them, their answer is as moving as it is memorable:

“To us, resilience is the ability to smile. Not smiling all the time, but knowing that you can smile.”

They see this quiet strength in the children they support—whether it’s solving a tough math problem or creating something at the craft table, their smiles speak volumes.

“Resilience isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s soft, steady, and full of quiet hope.”

Thank You, Markenever & Mikenever – and All Our Volunteers!

Markenever and Mikenever remind us that service isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, week after week, with open hearts and a willingness to help. We’re honored to celebrate their incredible impact during Volunteer Appreciation Month.

To every El Nido volunteer: thank you. Your time, your kindness, and your commitment are helping build a stronger Los Angeles—one smile at a time.

To learn more about our volunteer program and sign up for volunteer opportunities, please visit our Volunteer page or reach out to Sophie Stoller, Volunteer Coordinator, at sstoller@elnidofamilycenters.org.