The Rewarding Experience as a Trumbull Senior Center Volunteer, Donor and Supporter

Today my blog is not about my booksigning or public speaking events.  Instead, I want to share my personal experience as a supporter, donor and volunteer at the Trumbull Senior Center. 

During the past 7 months I have seen many different dimensions of the vibrant Trumbull Senior Center which offers a variety of activities.  Some seniors from Trumbull and the surrounding communities enjoy bingo, a game of cards, knitting, movies, chatting, holiday parties, visiting, health fairs, etc. Through my eyes , I view the Trumbull Senior Center as a place for seniors to gather, lift their spirits, celebrate and enjoy the feeling of togetherness while enjoying the various activities. I am also impressed with the "Smile A While" group of Seniors at the  Trumbull Senior Center.  The group sings, dances and performs for Seniors as well as travel to Homes for the Elderly or other Senior Rehabilitation centers to spread cheer, perform and lift the spirits of other seniors who are not able to get out to see a show. Also, it is a place for seniors to be safe during storms or other emergency situations. I am amazed that all of these important things happen in one place. 

I stop in at the Senior Center once or twice a month. Sometimes I have the opportunity to interact with the Seniors. Chatting with them always puts a smile on my face and I enjoy putting a smile on theirs.  This past Fall and Christmas I wanted to find a way to do something special for the Senior Center, so my family and I chose to donate decorations, decorate the door and hallway as well contributing to some of their events. It really brought me a lot of joy to enhance the Senior Center in a simple way and doing it together with my family at times.  The best part about my experiences at the Trumbull Senior Center is that there always seems to be a way for me to contribute in ways that matches my talents, abilities and interests. It's that simple. All volunteers contribute their time or in other ways that make an impact.

Although I am not there every day, when I stop in once or twice a month, there is always something new that I learn at the Senior Center.  During the past few months, I can honestly say that I felt like part of a team. Their Executive Director, Jean Fereira, her Assistant Sharon Miller, other workers, volunteers and the Senior Citizen Commission are very hard working and dedicated. A couple of weeks ago I was very surprised to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for being a volunteer along with all of the other volunteers. It is great that all volunteers received one.  It caught me by surprise but it really is a great feeling to be acknowledged. I can't wait to frame my Certificate of Appreciation.  There is a quote which sums up my personal view of volunteerism whether it be for those who give their time or contribute in other ways which is :"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them and they bless you, the giver."-Barbara DeAngelis.

If you want to find out more about the Trumbull Senior Center, give Sharon or Jean a call at (203) 452-5199.