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How long have you both been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine?
We have been volunteering for about 4-5 years. We started just before the pandemic at the Topsham location. We would bring our granddaughter with us- she was about 12 at the time. It was such a great experience for her.
What attracted you to volunteering?
We retired about 30 years ago and spent the first 14 years of retirement living on a sailboat and traveling up and down the east coast of the US and the Caribbean. During one stretch we ended up in Sarasota Florida for a bit and decided to volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter on their home build projects. We always followed Habitat ever since Jimmy Carter was involved.
Why did you decide to volunteer at the ReStore?
We completed the volunteer application and a questionnaire about our skills and interests. Sam had building skills, but at the time the greatest need for volunteers was in the ReStore. We were completely open to wherever we were needed. Sam likes working in the back of the store on repairs, testing appliances, and preparing items for the store floor. Kayda likes working at the front end of the store. We like interacting with customers, being open to assisting them- we feel like we act as ambassadors. 😊
What advice would you have for people applying to volunteer?
Go for it! You’re going to have a wonderful time! The work is very gratifying. The staff at the ReStore is fantastic. Habitat staff do a very nice job of acknowledging volunteers and expressing appreciation. We’ve also heard that there is the same spirit of camaraderie on Critical Home Repair Teams, too. There aren’t a lot of ways for men to get together to socialize and meet new friends. Volunteering with Habitat is a great way for men to socialize and feel connected while doing good work. There are so many different niches and volunteer opportunities at Habitat- try all of the opportunities and see what fits.
Anything else?
There is great benefit to volunteering as a couple. It’s efficient from a scheduling and transportation perspective. Our Tuesdays and Wednesdays are locked in- it’s nice to have the schedule. We do different duties while volunteering and then we’re able to talk about our days with each other. Sam tends to volunteer in the back and Kayda works in the front- we sometimes interact with the same customers and share our experiences. Friends and neighbors come in. Inevitably we end up taking something home at the end of each shift. 😊
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