Sierra LaMar: Anatomy of a Search Day 84

What is it that drives certain volunteers to return day-after-day to search for a child that most have never met? In their own words, here are some volunteers' answers:

“I am a mother and Sierra is everyone’s daughter.” —Linda

 “As a nurse, I am genuinely interested in public safety. As a human being, my heart goes out to victims and family members of those lost to atrocity. Random acts of kindness are necessary to keep communities living together in peace.” —Jennifer

 “My son was almost abducted at the age of 5. I thank God every day that he was not abducted and that I get to see him grow old.” —Peg

 “There are many reasons that bring me to the Sierra Search Center. Aside from all the beautiful smiles, endless hugs and overwhelming feelings of hope and love... Sierra LaMar is the number one reason for my continuous attendance.” —Teresa

“I didn’t know about it til the second day. My friend told me about it and my sister brought me. I’ve been coming to volunteer ever since.” —Arleen

 “I’ve been through a similar situation and was fortunate to get my daughter back after two months. Now I need to come to help find Sierra.” —Janetta

 “I have daughters!!” —Ed

“My reasons have changed since the first day I walked in the door. Initially, I began volunteering because in 2010 my 16 year old niece Jordan was killed in a drunk-driving accident. I wanted to ‘pay it forward’ by helping. I am now here and feel very privileged to be given the honor of looking for Sierra.” —Tammi

 “My heart is driven toward this cause. I see her YouTube videos of her silly dances, face gestures and it breaks my heart that she is not home yet with her family. When I see her parents I want to put together words to take away the grief in their faces, but I know the only thing I can do is keep assisting in trying to get their precious daughter home.” —Emma

 “Sierra is everyone’s daughter. I help because I don’t want the animal that did this to have any bargaining power. I do this because I want to see closure for the family.” —Autumn

 “I have two daughters. One is two days younger than Sierra. No family should ever have to go through this alone.” —Renee

 “To find Sierra! Yes, I am that way, plus I have the best search team here!” —Doug

 “I answered the call for Michelle Le in Hayward. Found that it touched a spot in my heart. I’m retired, I have the time and I actually enjoy the search.” —Carolyn

 “When they announced the first search date I knew in my heart that I wanted to help. I am only one person but I want to make a difference and end this family’s nightmare!” —Erika

 “Enough! I’d had enough of hearing about missing kids on the news while sitting on the sidelines. I’ve come to be so impressed and inspired by the heroes in the Bay Area… those selfless volunteers that search the area, work in the office and auditorium and those wonderful ‘kitchen ladies.’” —Roger

 “Initially I felt an immediate connection to the case because I have two daughter’s ages 16 and 14, and also because we are newer to the area, just like Sierra.” —Christie

 “My reason for volunteering is a loss that I went through. My cousin was 16 and killed in a drunk-driving accident. Though it’s not similar to Sierra I know the feeling of a loss. I love the new search family I’ve developed and I just want Sierra home.” —Sandina

 “I am a retired law enforcement officer and throughout those years of service my heart was always very troubled when I would hear of child abduction or a missing child. I prayed often for Sierra to be found and that God would be with her immediate family, giving them hope.” —Tony

 “I can’t imagine not knowing where my child is. When I saw in the paper that Sierra was missing, I came to see if I could help in any way. Now I come because I feel like Sierra is a part of my family.” —Karah

 “Sierra LaMar was my next-door neighbor until September 2011, when she moved to Morgan Hill. When she disappeared, I had no doubt that I would be helping to bring Sierra home.” —Carol

 “My cousin goes to school, takes the same bus and is friends with Sierra. I showed up on the second day. Now I work inside the command center getting people signed up. We won’t give up and won’t stop till Sierra’s home.” —Nikki

 “I came to Morgan Hill as a young bride in 1960. This is my town. When one of our daughters goes missing and is hurt, we all hurt.” —Loretta

 “I’ve been considering helping with SAR (search and rescue) since Sandra Cantu went missing in Tracy and Michelle Le went missing in Hayward. This time I thought I’d commit to helping out to find Sierra.” —Bob

 “I am retired from a motorcycle accident. God opened a door on me and gave me the opportunity and strength to help find Sierra and bring her home safe. Don’t just read or just say [you'll help]… JUST DO IT!” —Karl

“I am humbled to be in the company of heroes.” —Marc Klaas