When Neelam Sharma learned SSSBC needed volunteer drivers to deliver gifts as part of its Santa for Seniors campaign, she jumped at the opportunity. Over the past holiday season, Neelam made the day for many seniors by presenting festively wrapped gifts donated by campaign supporters.

“I loved seeing their reactions; I loved making them happy,” recalled Neelam. “In some ways, I felt like I was an imposter… I was only delivering the gifts. Someone else donated them, but I was the recipient of all their gratitude. What made them happiest, I felt, was not the gift itself but that someone cared enough to give a gift.”

Neelam likes giving her time to SSSBC because it is a smaller organization, and she feels it’s a place where she can make a real difference. Now that her first Santa for Seniors campaign is behind her, she is looking forward to helping by driving seniors to medical appointments or on social outings.

“Volunteering makes me happy and lifts my spirits,” she said. “When I take care of others, I’m taking care of myself too. It’s self-care. Helping others is one of the best things you can do for yourself.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities with SSSBC, please reach out.