Woodruff Family Turns to Volunteering After Iraq Injuries

Sept. 18, 2006 — -- With the new school year under way, it's often hard for families to get together for quality time.

Lee Woodruff, Family Fun magazine contributing editor, says volunteering is a good way to do that.

Woodruff said that her family actually began its volunteer work after her husband, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq and suffered severe injuries.

"We started doing it because we felt like we had been so lucky," she said. "Things could have been so much worse."

Woodruff says the family helps the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing for families of wounded soldiers.

She says that Bob is doing better every day.

"He's working on stories again, and things are looking better every day," she said.

Family Fun's Difference Makers Awards honor 30 families for their volunteer work with $50,000 worth of cash grants.

The program is made possible with help from ABC's parent company, Disney, and the Points of Light Foundation.

Those being honored are doing community service in unique ways.

The Reifsneiders work with the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center, which serves mentally and physically challenged children and adults.

"People with autism, cerebral palsy, and any number of special needs learn to ride and work with horses," Woodruff said.

"Plus, older horses that may have outlived their usefulness in other ways have a humane alternative to going off for slaughter."

The Reifsneiders have a history of doing good.

Sandi and George Reifsneider are also foster parents to three kids: Chrissie, Amanda and Steven.

"The Reifsneiders say the riding school helps them build bonds with their foster kids, and makes them a tighter family unit," Woodruff said.

Another family honored with a Difference Makers Award is the Castle Zajacs, who make a party out of their volunteer work.

Colleen Castle Zajacs and her son, Aiden, throw birthday parties for kids at the Jubilee Center, which serves low-income families.