In it for the long haul…..
Sandy St. George was in it for the long haul….namely, more than 36 years.
The devoted volunteer has invested decades of service to Shorehaven, from driving Mobile Meals to seniors’ doors in 1988, to working plant sales, happy hours, Bingo, delivering Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, to navigating pontoons for the Historic Boat Tours and Dinner on the Move, to working the old resale shop and now helping in the beauty shop and transporting residents to and from rehabilitation. She has literally put in millions of steps down campus hallways and neighborhood driveways. “I just know I have to keep moving.”
“I always tell the new volunteers to not be afraid to ask for help. Staff could not be nicer and are so helpful. There are more ways that you can help than you can ever imagine,” said St. George.
Her volunteer roles afford her flexibility and some control over her own travel and free time. “If I need to go somewhere, I can. I have the freedom to get away if I need to.” Her beauty shop duties render real gratification as she brings residents in for perms, colors and cuts, and returns them to households “feeling renewed.” “The residents come away from the beauty shop feeling so much better.”
St. George carries her responsibilities one step further, in serving leadership roles as a corporate board and Service League board member. The die-hard servant is convinced all revenues raised are invested wisely. “The real personal rewards are in knowing that the funds the Service League raises all go to benefit the residents we serve,” she said.
Advice to those considering volunteering? “Even when you think you might be doing just a little, you realize that that little bit still makes a difference. Volunteering at Shorehaven is good for you, and the people you serve.”