April is National Volunteer Month! All month long, we’ll be sharing stories from our incredible community of volunteers.
Today, we hear from Eleanor Pearson, a former DOROT Summer College Intern and current Caring Calls volunteer!
How did you get involved with DOROT?
I got involved with DOROT when I applied for the Summer Internship Program and was accepted as a Constituent and Community Services Intern for the Summer 2020 program, that was offered virtually due to the pandemic.
What type of volunteer activities do you do at DOROT?
I am part of the Caring Calls program at DOROT! I am matched with an older adult at DOROT and we have weekly Zoom calls where we catch up, discuss interests, explore experiences, and share wisdom and friendship with each other.
How do you fit volunteering into your schedule?
The older adult I am matched with at DOROT and I discuss our schedules for the upcoming week each time we Zoom. I fit volunteering into my schedule by blocking off a time during the work week where I am free from work duties, or if there is a busier week at work, I make time on the weekends in my free time to schedule a time for a Zoom call.
What motivates you to continue volunteering at DOROT?
My relationship with the older adult that I am matched with motivates me to continue volunteering at DOROT. We have built such a wonderful friendship and seeing him during our scheduled weekly Zoom makes my week! He has become a dear friend of mine. I am also motivated by the support DOROT offers to their volunteers, they check in often to see how things are going and I admire how dedicated they are to those enrolled in their programs.
What would you want other volunteers to know about volunteering at DOROT?
Volunteering at DOROT has given such positive meaning to my life. I have built beautiful friendships and enjoy volunteering for an organization that is built on connection and compassion.
Learn more about volunteering HERE!