Giving Back: Former students spend their time helping others

Photo Caption: Volunteer Services Director Mike Cataruzolo (Left) with volunteer staff members including alum, Molly Walsh (Center).

As one of the more than 250 volunteers at Perkins, David Angney says he volunteers at Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library because the organization means a great deal to him. "There is a great need for the books on tape and it is the only way for some people to access print materials, " Angney said.  "Even though I left Perkins in the ninth grade to attend Nobel and Greenough School in Dedham, MA, I still consider it my alma mater."

Like Angney, former students Joyce Nadell, Molly Walsh, and Dennis Brady also serve as volunteers at Perkins. Nadell who puts the audio tapes of books on the rewind machine, said the Braille and Talking book Library was a natural choice because she loves to read. But she also looks forward to the social events on campus, including the annual volunteer banquet.

"My favorite memories from volunteering involved the Christmas parties and volunteer dinners because it was great chance for everyone to get together,"she said.;

As another tape inspector, Walsh said she volunteers to involve herself in the community and to be with other people her own age. "Because I couldn't get a job, I decided to turn to Perkins and have been here for over 11 years now," she said. 

Brady enjoys making thank-you calls for the Trust department because he believes it means more coming from an alumn than anyone else. "There is more of a personal connection," he said.

Get Involved

If you'd like to serve as a volunteer at Perkins, please contact Volunteer Services Director Mike Cataruzolo at 617-972-7224 or visit www.perkins.org/volunteer

Consider a gift today to support the programs and work of Perkins School for the Blind including the Braille and Talking Book Library.