Why I Volunteer

Hi all, Pat Cruz here. I have been volunteering at the Los Alamos and White Rock Senior Centers for the past 4 years, give or take, not including the crazy Covid shutdown time. I have served in the dining rooms, collected money for lunches, served as a front desk receptionist, delivered lunches, helped during the High School band concerts, Festival of Trees and most recently worked in our Day Out program.

I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with incredible seniors and staff, I have made many friends along the way. We have such a varied group of members that there is never a dull day and I totally enjoy me time volunteering at the center. We talk about times gone by, current events, family stories, grandchildren, parents, kids, dogs and cats, life as a single or life caring for a loved one.

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to step out of the house, out of my own bubble and interact with other folks. I realize how my life has been enriched by having a place to go to, a purpose, people who I like talking to, to help or even just listen to their sorrows. The memories of the day can make me laugh or cry when I am closing the house at the end of the day. I know I am not alone and neither are my friends because someone has been there to listen. Volunteering has been a joy and I look forward to my days at the center.