We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our incredible volunteers. We have been recognizing them periodically in our volunteer spotlight! This month we are highlighting Sherry London. Sherry has been donating to JUF her entire life and now regularly volunteers at the JUF Uptown Cafe. 

We asked Sherry a couple questions about what has shaped her volunteer experience and life in general.

1. How did you first get involved with TOV/JUF? 

After donating to JUF my entire life I finally met with Robyn who became my liaison with TOV. She mentioned it to me and put me on the email list. I never knew about TOV until a few years ago.

2. Why do you enjoy volunteering? 

For me, it is important to give back. I feel as though I have been very lucky and have had a good life. It is time for me (since being mostly retired) to help others directly. I taught ESL at Truman College, a second career, for about 25 years. It, too, gave me opportunities to give and to help students get adjusted to their lives in America while teaching them English. Now I like to try new projects. I went to Freidman Place for the first time on Christmas. That was great!

3. Any fun facts about yourself that we might not know? 

I love to travel, and I think one of the reasons that while teaching I met students from everywhere. It gave the curiosity bug about other cultures. I like to scuba dive. It's a good way to get away and to see new things. I very much like to try new things whatever they may be. I also volunteer and read to the blind once a week. 3 summers ago I volunteered at a camp for the visually impaired in Oregon.

4. Who, or what, inspires you? 

Giving. Just giving. It makes me feel so good. I like to give directly to the person or persons that are in need. I also like to meet new people who have totally different lifestyles than myself.

5. Why is it important to you to volunteer with JUF? 

I like to see where my donations go and what they do. I increase them every year since about 1974. I was interested in the Ark also. It's very different from Ezra and has a different clientel.

We want to thank Sherry for all of her hard work and dedication to our volunteer programs throughout the years. You have been an inspiration to us Sherry, and we look forward to watching you continue to make an impact with TOV and JUF in general.