Kicking Off a Year of Friendship

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Friendship Circle. The hundreds of teens and adults who lend their time each year enable the innovative and much-needed programming for children, teens and adults with special needs.

On September 2, two kickoff events were hosted at LifeTown to welcome back volunteers. In the morning, over 100 adult volunteers enjoyed a beautiful brunch spread while mingling and setting goals for the coming school year.

“There was a warm, happy, family feeling this morning,” said volunteer Marcie Levinson. “I enjoy volunteering at the Shoppes because seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they get their hair or nails done, it just makes my whole day. It gives me a purpose and it gives them a purpose.”

That purpose was evident at the kickoff event as volunteers learned about future programming, none of which would be possible without their dedication and time.

The volunteer experience at LifeTown is made even more special by the bonds formed among volunteers through hours spent lending a helping hand.

“The kickoff event was lovely,” said volunteer Lois Jacobs. “The brunch was delicious and it was very upbeat. I think everybody will be volunteering even more. Everyone is so friendly and nice. I’m volunteering for a cause but I’m also making lots of friends. The volunteers are just wonderful people.”

In the evening, teen volunteers eagerly filled LifeTown for their own kickoff event. Both new and returning teens were excited to start the new school year by volunteering their time at LifeTown. New volunteers were awestruck by the space as they toured the LifeTown Shoppes, zero-entry swimming pool, basketball courts, sensory rooms, indoor playground, and cooking spaces.

“I hope that I can volunteer as many hours as possible and that I can make a big impact,” said teen volunteer Andrew Yoser. “I think this place is very special because the atmosphere here is awesome. Everyone is here to help the kids have fun and be their friends.”

Friendship is what it’s all about at LifeTown. Participants bond with volunteers, and volunteers expand their social circles while doing something that impacts the entire community. The opportunities are endless, and the benefits to both participants and volunteers are evident in the smiling faces throughout LifeTown each day.