Dec
5
Volunteer Spotlight: Eleanor Daly
Filed Under Lab Stories
Volunteer Spotlight
Eleanor Daly
Nickname: Grandma Daly or Hey, Mom!
Modality: Experiential Wellness / Sewing Group
What is your inspiration for volunteering at The Lab?
I always say, “Blame it on the Girl Scouts!” Their promise “to help other people at all times” has stuck with me for 70 years.
What is an experience or moment that has stuck out to you while volunteering at The Lab?
Recently a student came into the room, and apparently was having a bad day. I thought so, as she didn’t return my greeting or respond to several comments. However, by the end of the period we were engaged in a conversation about the approaching holiday. I felt that I had helped her improve her mood.
What will you take away from your volunteer experience here?
It is always good to help someone, even if it is only one person. Even though dragging all my equipment is a nuisance, it really isn’t that hard, if it helps someone.
Favorite quote?
“If you can’t do what you like,
then learn to like what you have to do”
Once I was talking to fifth grade students about my experience in Africa and telling the children what it would be like if they lived there, one of the girls raised her hand and said, “Who made you go?” I think that epitomizes volunteering.
Who is someone that you admire?
Sr. Kenny who was the inspiration for me to become a Physical Therapist (virtually unknown in the 1940’s.) Eleanor Roosevelt pioneer in many women’s areas.
What have you learned about yourself while at The Lab?
That I still have a lot of endurance and can keep my mouth shut when a response comes to mind that is better left unsaid.
What do you like to do for fun?
I have sewed all my life and enjoy teaching others to sew. I have made many quilts and formerly belonged to a Quilt Club. I also sewed many garments for my children and grandchildren. Family activities are very enjoyable. I have five adult children and nine grandchildren.–lots of birthdays, etc. I participate in a singing group in our apartment building and am in charge of the raised flower bed there.
We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to Eleanor for sharing her kindness, talents, time and energy with our students at The Lab. She is making a difference.
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