Glenn Diehl pictured with a Boys & Girls Club staff member and a Club kid at Spring Hill Elementary.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: GLENN DIEHL

After retiring and moving to Tennessee a few years ago, Glenn Diehl set out with a clear goal: to dedicate his time to giving back.

“Once I fully retired, I was looking for volunteer opportunities,” he recalls. “I knew a couple of people connected to Boys & Girls Club—both here and back in Illinois where I lived before. I like working with kids, and it’s not too stressful. I figured it would be fun, and I could help a little bit.”

Since then, Glenn—affectionately known as Mr. Glenn by families and staff—has become a familiar and trusted face in our Spring Hill Clubs. Twice a week, you’ll find him at Spring Hill Elementary or Marvin Wright Elementary, pitching in wherever he’s needed and lending a steady hand to both kids and staff.

Area North Director Christian Wyatt describes him as a dependable and encouraging figure:

“Glenn has been a constant support for our Spring Hill locations these last few years. He’s a dependable adult for the kids, showing up two days a week, every week. When Mr. Glenn arrives, the members know him and get excited to see him. He connects with kids of all ages, supports staff with programs, and sets an example that shows our members they have a community behind them. We’re lucky to have him.”

BGCSCTN Volunteer Glenn Diehl stops for a quick photo at Springhill Elementary School

Before retirement, Glenn spent his career as a Chief Financial Officer in the finance industry. He worked in Silicon Valley with high-tech businesses before moving to Chicago, where he eventually retired.  These days, far removed from the fast pace of the finance world, Glenn finds joy in the small, meaningful connections he makes with kids. ‘When you feel like you’ve reached a kid on something simple—like when they’ve done some artwork and I say, “That’s really nice,” and they reply, “That’s for you.”’

Those gestures have a special place in his home, too. “I showed that one drawing to my wife, and she said, ‘Put it on the refrigerator.’ So that’s where it stayed for a while,” he laughs.

Working with kids isn’t entirely new for Glenn. Growing up in Florida, he spent summers as a teenager working for the city’s recreation department. “Kids could come and hang out for the day. I was a college kid and did that for a couple summers. I remembered it was fun.”

He also relates to the struggles many kids face growing up today. “I know a lot of these kids come from difficult backgrounds, and it’s harder to overcome. My parents were together, but we were poor. We struggled with money all the way through until I was out of college.” He shares a bit of advice to kids navigating similar uncertainties: “Treasure your family and your friends. Don’t be derailed by the culture at large. Finish your education and maintain a healthy relationship with your family—they’ll be in your life forever.”

For Glenn, volunteering is both humbling and energizing. “I have a much higher appreciation for the people who do this full-time, and for teachers. I’m about the age of most of the kids’ grandparents, so being around that much energy is a challenge. But it’s rewarding—the kids are really wonderful to be around.”

When asked why he continues to give his time to this cause, his answer is simple: “First, I think you have an obligation to give back to the community when you have the time. Second, it’s fun. And hopefully, if you reach just a few kids, they know someone cares about them.”

Glenn’s story reminds us that making an impact doesn’t always mean grand gestures, it starts with showing up, giving your time, and caring for kids. As he puts it: “It’s been a good experience. It brings me happiness. Hopefully I can touch the lives of a few kids in a positive way, influence them, and show them that somebody cares.”

And for anyone on the fence about volunteering? Glenn keeps it simple: “If it’s not for you, do something else. But the only way to know is to try.”

For more information on volunteer opportunities at Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, please visit https://bgcsctn.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or email Onboarding and Volunteer Manager Desiree McLean at dmclean@bgcsctn.org