Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Nathaniel Witherell, connecting and building community and helping to enrich the lives of its residents.
Last week, during National Volunteers Week (April 21-27), the Witherell honored their volunteers with a special appreciation luncheon.
Carol and Jim Santora, Debby Parker and Dolly Nalewaje Nalewajek
Lori Gage and Peg Yantorno
Marie Micik and Drew Peterson
Bob Bishop
Shakri Abdusalamova
Several people spoke at the spirited event that attracted about 60 people, among them Shakri Abdusalamova, a Greenwich High School senior, and the youngest Witherell volunteer who said, “I enjoy the time I spend assisting and working with the residents at Nathaniel Witherell. It makes me happy to help even in the smallest ways, especially since my dad is in a wheelchair—I want to pass on the kindness that people have shown him in his time of struggle.”
John Mastronardi, Executive Director of The Nathaniel Witherell pointed out that volunteers bring joy, companionship and enrichment for which everyone is most grateful.
“You make a difference in our residents’ lives,” Mastronardi said. “You know, Winston Churchill once remarked: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Those are words of wisdom that sum up the benefits of volunteering. To that I would add a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who once said: ‘Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”
At the Witherell, volunteers give their time every day of the week, year round, assisting with recreational activities, holiday events, plant care, pet therapy, assisting in the gift shop, hair salon and, of course, Bingo.
“Our volunteers are like family here – they get to know our residents and create meaningful friendships,” said Mary Tate, Director of Volunteer & Resident Services. “We have volunteers from teens to retirees, all giving their time with little thought of reward; they come full of energy and love. We appreciate every minute they are here!”
To become a volunteer, or for further information, contact Mary Tate at [email protected] or 203-618-4228.
John Mastronardi and Jeff Aldrich.