RSVP Volunteer: Vicki Maina
Hometown: Ypsilanti
Volunteer Station: Ypsilanti Thrift Shop
Why do you volunteer?
When I was in need, the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop helped me. The shop paid my deposit for a new place and gave me a home when I didn’t have one. I feel the need to volunteer and give back and help the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop.
How does volunteering impact your life?
I enjoy waiting on people who come into the thrift shop. I am able to watch people as they are getting their needs fulfilled. I also enjoy the great group of women I work with there. The services provided by the thrift shop are like the outreach of God’s hands.
How does volunteering impact the community that you are serving?
The Ypsilanti Thrift Shop is a productive resource for the community and people enjoy a place to shop that is affordable.
How do you think you are directly impacting the people/clients you are assisting?
People who come to the thrift shop are able to get direct assistance. The shop does so much more than sale second hand goods.
RSVP Volunteer: William (Bill) & Patti Cline
Hometown: Ypsilanti
Volunteer Station: CSSW Tax Program
Why do you volunteer?
Bill: Volunteering keeps me active, makes me think, and helps the community.
Patti: I volunteer to contribute to our community and keep my old brain cells functioning.
How does volunteering impact your life?
Bill: Volunteering gives me the chance to socialize, learn, and apply tax models. I am also doing something that I value.
Patti: Volunteering makes me feel good because I am giving back. Volunteering is also something my husband and I do together.
How does volunteering impact the community that you are serving?
Bill: Volunteering through the CSSW Tax Program allows me to return dollars to the community patrons; especially the people who need assistance the most. I am helping people comply with the tax law.
Patti: Volunteering with the CSSW Tax Program allows me to help put money in the hands of many who need it.
How do you think you are directly impacting the people/clients you are assisting?
Bill: I am directly helping clients get tax credits and pay the correct amount in taxes. I am also helping individuals with the complications of tax laws and forms.
Patti: People who receive tax refunds are very grateful because every little bit helps, especially those who have little.
RSVP Volunteers: Carolyn & Bob Maguire
Hometown: Ypsilanti
Volunteer Station: City of Ypsilanti Senior Center & Estabrook School
Why do you volunteer?
Carolyn: I just retired and knew that I wanted to do some type of volunteer work.
Bob: I volunteer to stay active and keep out of trouble.
How does volunteering impact your life?
Carolyn: This is my first time working with students and it’s enjoyable even with a very active 2nd grader. Volunteering has allowed me to learn new things too. At the City of Ypsilanti Senior Center, I’m learning more about fundraising and other activities as I serve with the advisory board.
Bob: Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose while helping a 2nd grade student learn how to read.
How does volunteering impact the community that you are serving?
Carolyn: Volunteers are always needed and helpful to give an extra hand in the community.
Bob: I repair things around the senior center, so that everyone has everything available and volunteering at Estabrook helps students to read and understand better.
How do you think you are directly impacting the people/clients you are assisting?
Carolyn: I’m making a difference as I help my student do better with his reading skills. Long ago, I had thought about being an elementary school teacher and now I can work with students in a small way.
Bob: I am making people happy when I show up to open and close at the City of Ypsilanti Senior Center. The student I tutor enjoys my company and I am able to serve as a positive male figure to him.