Elnora Allen says since she started volunteering at St. Andrew’s School, she’s experienced a sense of community and family.
“They respect my suggestions and recommendations, and I feel well heard and seen,” she says. “I like learning and helping out.”
Elnora, whose granddaughter is in Ms. Eaddy’s First Grade class, began volunteering in the fall of 2017.
“When my granddaughter started here, parents were encouraged to volunteer and participate. And as a grandparent, I had the time to. I always believe in helping out, so that’s why I started,” she says.
Elnora assists in the front office once a week, and St. Andrew’s School staff and faculty call her a “supreme volunteer.” She multi-tasks, serving on the Fundraising and Sustainability task force, and helps out wherever it’s needed – answering phones, making copies, monitoring the front door, doing special activities – sometimes managing these tasks simultaneously.
“I like socializing with the children and staff, and I like the concern this place has [for the students],” she says.
Elnora says she likes how St. Andrew’s School teaches and addresses the whole child, giving students the necessary tools for future success.
“I often interface with children, and I admire the respect they have, the kindness and trust. They’re so well-mannered. They’re children, so they wiggle and move, but they have their own ideas and creativity, and it’s all encouraged,” she says. “Overall, volunteering has been a very positive experience, and I’ve been embraced by everyone here.”