Volunteer Spotlight: Pat M.

Pat has been regularly volunteering at Boca Helping Hands for the past 7 years. Pat was a hotel executive for over 40 years and regularly volunteered as a member of The Rotary Club of Boca Raton on Thursday nights for our Family Night Dinner.

After she retired in January 2014, Pat had a lot more free time and wanted to give back. She started out volunteering in our Food Center before transitioning to our Resource Center where she helps us screen clients in need of financial assistance for rent, utilities and childcare requests. Director of Programs Trina Chin Cheong says, "I cannot express how grateful I am to know her as a person, and to have her as a volunteer. Pat is our resident 'rock star' and we all love her!"

Prior to COVID-19, Pat also used to volunteer at the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers as a teacher's aide. She hopes to be able to go back to the classrooms soon in addition to continuing her great work at Boca Helping Hands.

After many years as a dedicated volunteer, she says that "helping people and knowing I can be a spark of sunshine is what keeps me going."