Q&A with Samuel Follansbee
In one word, how would your friends, family, or colleagues describe you?
Sincere
When, where, and what was the first place you ever participated as volunteer?
When I was very young, I used to accompany my parents as they delivered meals to sick people in our parish. However, my first true volunteer engagement was in the seventh grade, when I first served as an assistant basketball coach to my little brother's recreational team. By the time I got to high school, I served as the head coach.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I embrace the opportunity to provide friendship, perspective, and guidance to those I am fortunate enough to work with. If I can make someone's day, then I believe I am making our community a better place, and am thus doing my job.
What have you found most inspiring during your volunteer work with Playworks?
The seemingly boundless positivity and excitement the students of Henry C. Lea Elementary radiate every day is what I find to be the most inspiring aspect of volunteering with Playworks
Q&A with Eva Sanchez
In one word, how would your friends, family, or colleagues describe you?
Dedicated
When, where, and what was the first place you ever participated as a volunteer?
As a teenager, I volunteered with Camden Promise which focused on inner-city children and keeping them occupied with fun activities that motivated them to focus on positive things in their lives. At Camden Promise as volunteers, our primary goal was to be a big brother and sister to our kids and set positive examples in their lives.
What motivates you to volunteer?
My motivation as a volunteer is to see the self-confidence in children growing and to see them achieve the goals they set for themselves. To help these children understand that the only limits in their lives are the ones they set themselves.
What have you found most inspiring during your volunteer work with Playworks?
The most inspiring thing I have encountered while volunteering with Playworks has been the maturing of students. You see the growth of working as a team and the genuine consideration of classmates feelings and well being. Also, students' drive to become leaders and Junior Coaches.
What do you want people knew about Playworks?
One thing I would like people to know about Playworks is that the staff and volunteers truly have a sense of responsibility towards the children, as we spend a good amount of time with them. We see the potential in everyone and attempt to gear them towards their greatness.
