Enthusiastic Volunteer
We are thrilled to see you and your neighbors at the Fourth of July parade. It will be the first time we can truly celebrate our newly regained freedoms for us and our country.
Let this remind us that independence is important for all generations. The past year was isolating, especially for our seniors. As we sat in our comfortable houses reconnecting with our families, some of our neighbors were left alone without the ability to shop or care for themselves.
Thankfully, a handful of volunteers continued to drive our seniors to doctors’ appointments, shop for their groceries, and check on them to make sure they were doing okay.
So, when one of our most dependable volunteers had to step back recently, we were sad but understood. Soon after, however, Lucy Berkman walked into the Orinda Association office. Lucy, a 16-year-old high school junior at Miramonte, decided she wanted to give back to the community once distance guidelines ended. And while she isn’t old enough to drive for Seniors Around Town (drivers must be 25), she volunteered to shop for some of our seniors and offered to recruit some of her friends to do the same.
We in the office left that day smiling from ear to ear. She reminded us of the volunteer spirit that has always made Orinda special. Just as one door closes, another opens. It’s heartening to see our kids carry that torch forward.
We’re all stumbling towards normalcy, like a toddler who just learned to walk, each of us trying to find our way to reconnect with others. But, at least for me, volunteering helps take the awkwardness out of meeting new people while providing me with the satisfaction of helping others.
So, if you are looking to get more involved, you can volunteer, even if it’s just for an hour a month. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can donate. Either way, every little bit helps. So be like Lucy and contact us at 925.402.4506 or seniorsaroundtownorinda@gmail.com; I promise you won’t regret it.
