Liz Klein has been a volunteer at the LightHouse for three and a half years, working with LightHouse Wellness & Enrichment Coordinator Molly Irish. This year, Liz, who has low vision and has received mobility and technology training at the LightHouse, is one of several whose dedication and exceptional, above and beyond volunteer service to the LightHouse was celebrated with a special award at September’s Volunteer Recognition event.
Before volunteering for the LightHouse, Liz was an Administrative Assistant for 20 years, supporting physicians and staff at a doctor’s office. When she retired she looked for ways to keep up the daily pace; one Friday evening she wandered into the LightHouse during one of Molly’s legendary Bingo and dinner get-togethers and noticed there were a few things Molly could use assistance with. Since that night Liz has been a constant and much valued help to Molly.
Liz tells us that what she loves most about volunteering is that it gets her out of the house and keeps her mind busy. She loves interacting with the students and staff and feels that volunteering is a highlight of her week. She said, “I really love working with Molly. The people keep me coming back and it’s so much fun…I’ve made a lot of friends and enjoy coming here to knit with the Beanies for Babies Club on Thursdays.” She adds, philosophically, “Eventually, it might be me that needs help so why not help now? I enjoy helping.”
Liz’s favorite volunteer memory is a recent one – our recent Volunteer Recognition event where she was given her award. “I was so surprised! I was told that I was nominated but I shooed it away and didn’t give it much thought. Even when someone asked if I was going to dress up, it still didn’t register, but boy what a surprise to be called up there.”
We salute Liz, who is part of an ongoing LightHouse tradition, from building houses to knitting baby caps, from blood drives to toy drives, all done by blind people for the wider community.
We invite you to volunteer with the LightHouse! There are three easy ways to apply. Contact Justine Harris-Richburgh at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org, call her at 415-694-7320 or complete your volunteer registration online.
