Volunteering is something you like to do, and it makes you feel good, too. I have been volunteering for almost four years. I take clients of all kinds. I go to most of them and help them to do crafts. There are some patients who never thought they could use their own hands and when they find that they can use their hands, they are so happy that they cry. I pass mail, do crafts, and play cards and games with the patients.

I do volunteering in two nursing homes. All of the patients like me and ask for me. If I could, I would go to every nursing home and help the patients who can’t use their hands.

I like helping people; no matter if they have one hand or are blind and think they can’t do anything at all. I enjoy volunteering because I like helping people and it helps me, too. I, myself, have spent many years in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. I get around now with crutches or a wheelchair. I think it helps the patients try more when they see that I have problems, too. So I know how good it is to have people come in to care for you.

Do you know that I have so many friends? So many people like me because of the way I do crafts and help others.

The patients miss me on the days I don’t come. Some of the patients like to be read to, and some who are blind love for me to help them make key chains.

Sometimes they get sad when a person passes away. I tell them to call me and I will be their friend. I hope I can continue my volunteering as long as I am able. I’m almost 66 years old, and this volunteering keeps me going.

Louise Pelley was born and has lived in Worcester all her life. She has written for many editions of "Do the Write Thing"  She is an ABE student at the Worcester Adult Learning Center.