Volunteer of the Month - September 2009

The Three Musketeers

This month, Woods Services honors three volunteers who, as expressed by Cheryl Kauffman, Director of Advancement, “really are part of our extended family because they have been involved as long as they have, and they are here frequently!” Elaine Guertin and her son, Gregory, have been volunteering at Woods for thirty and twenty-five years, respectively. Jean Coll, age ninety-five, is also a regular volunteer. All of them enjoy Woods and take pleasure in helping those who need a hand.

Mrs. Guertin began volunteering at Woods thirty years ago at the Yellow Daffodil Flowershop. Over the years, her service area has expanded to projects such as mailings, Secret Santa, and Visitors’ Day. She says, “We have been neighbors to Woods for fifty-five years and have seen it grow into what it is today.”

Gregory began by simply driving his mother to and from Woods so that she could volunteer. He would often pick her up early and end up helping with whatever project she was working on that day. Eventually, he began dedicating his time to Woods, following in his mother’s footsteps. Kathy Morrison, the instructor at the Yellow Daffodil, shares, “Gregory has a green thumb, is really creative and great with the clients.”

Jean Coll has also contributed much of her time and service to Woods. Over the past twenty-eight years, she has helped clients with flower arrangements, assembled boutonnieres for Woods’ proms, and stuffed countless envelopes for mailings.

Currently, all three assist at Woods. They are our ‘go-to’ volunteers – whenever we need anything we know we can count on them. Their graciousness and dedication to Woods’ Volunteer Program are very much appreciated. Thank you Elaine, Gregory and Jean for your invaluable support!
If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Woods’ volunteer, please email Victoria Brossy, Coordinator of Volunteers, at volunteers@woods.org. We look forward to hearing from you!