Enter as Volunteers – Leave as Friends

In 2010, Forestville residents Claire Holden and Aline Towne became Wheeler volunteers through a local chapter of RSVP, a national volunteer network for people 55 and over.They didn’t know each other at the time, but became and stayed friends through this assignment and beyond.

Their relationship with Wheeler continues as well, and for the past eight years, they’ve faithfully volunteered with the organization on the second Monday of every month, working for Wheeler’s Executive Office. Claire and Aline assist with packaging employee recognition gifts and assembling anniversary and birthday cards for employees.

Claire and Aline are unfailingly reliable. In fact, this pair has never missed a monthly volunteer assignment, not even when Claire was involved in a very serious car accident two years ago.

“These wonderful ladies are an important part of our team, and they continue to make a significant contribution,” said Linda Finlay, executive assistant for Wheeler, who oversees the dynamic duo. “Claire and Aline were initially referred to us through RSVP, but have been independently volunteering for us since 2106. They enjoy the work, and they love the organization.”

“This is such a joyful place to come and to work,” said Aline. “It’s been our pleasure to help out the team for all these years.”

Outside of Wheeler, Claire and Aline are very much involved in each others’ lives. They lunch and have taken tai chi classes together and are planning to take part in a soon-to-be-determined summer activity.

“We both have volunteered at many places,” added Claire. “Wheeler is by far the best.”