Featured Volunteer: Lori F.

DOROT volunteer since: 2004 
 
How did you get involved with DOROT?
 
I became involved with DOROT because at the time I was not working and was hoping to do some meaningful volunteer work. I was fortunate to know all four of my grandparents, whom I cherished, and knew that I wanted to try to do something with the elderly. 

What type of volunteer activities do you do?
 
I’ve been a Friendly Visitor to my friend Nina for the past four plus years. I’m also a member of the Friendly Visitor Advisory Committee and have participated in Holiday Package Deliveries and the holiday gift-wrapping drive at Barnes & Noble. 
 
Most memorable volunteer moment:

This past Thanksgiving after my family finished celebrating our holiday and having our dinner, I went to visit Nina with my mother and a friend of mine. I had of course told Nina that we were going to stop by with food. Nina, who is bed-ridden, was sitting in her wheelchair when we arrived in a dress and with make-up on. The excitement on her face when she had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with part of my family was a very moving and beautiful experience that I will always remember.

In what ways has your DOROT volunteer experience impacted your life?

I think that I will probably never forget my friend Nina. Her pearls of wisdom, zest for learning, desire to live, and healthy and interested spirit continue to provide me with the framework of how I live, and will continue to live my life even after Nina is no longer in my life. 

What would you want other volunteers to know about volunteering at DOROT?

It is an unbelievably rewarding experience. You can’t imagine how meaningful you become to a person who at one point in time had been a complete stranger.