Please join us in congratulating Liz Goldstein – Words Alive Volunteer of the Month for March 2017!
Liz, a long-term volunteer of the organization, has been supporting the office and administration of the programs since 2011! She comes in to the office each Monday weekly, ready to get her hands dirty working on a host of projects. In her recent time here, Liz has helped to reorganize our book donation library with her librarian skill set. She has helped us shelve and alphabetize thousands of books in preparation for incoming donations! Liz has also prepared crucial material for our spring Family Literacy Program: alphabet diaries, chicken masks, animal photo cutouts. These projects are the core of the parent-student time spent together in the workshops!
On days when we have needed a little extra, Liz has recruited her own support team of friends and family! And, she has even taken work home to continue throughout the week in her free time. We are so grateful for her generosity.
Liz, you are such a joy to work with – the best way to start our week in the office! You are a wonderful communicator, have a great work ethic and sense of humor, and we just love having you here. Thanks for your continued and reliable hard work!
Check out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with Liz below!
Tell us a little about yourself. (Brief introduction)
I'm a native Michigander, but have lived in San Diego almost twenty years now. I started my career as a fourth-grade teacher, left to raise two children, got my master's in Library and Information Science, and finally realized my childhood dream of becoming a school librarian. I've worked with preschool through high school aged children which has helped me very much at Words Alive.
How long have you been volunteering for Words Alive? And, how did you first get involved?
I've helped in the office at Words Alive for the past six years (I'm not really sure how long I've been here). My friends, Sharon Gruby and Marcia Fram, were already volunteering and encouraged me to come along.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your current volunteer role, and your work with the organization?
I love being surrounded by amazing people who do so much to encourage literacy and the love of reading for so many children. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help provide books for children and for families.
And, by the way, what are you reading lately?
Recent books I've read, and loved include Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel, and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.