Berks Encore Volunteer Celebrates 10 Years of Service
Volunteer Spotlight
For the past 10 years, Peg Wrede has been a dedicated volunteer for Berks Encore. Peg retired after a 30-year career as a candy maker with R.M. Palmer. To escape the summer heat in 2013, Peg started participating in activities at the Berks Encore Reading Center. At the time, the center manager was looking for a volunteer to be the bingo caller. Peg thought she would give it a try, and she has been calling bingo at the center three days a week ever since. Peg also dedicates her time once per month to help stuff envelope with Berks Encore Newsletters, helping to keep the community informed and connected with what Berks Encore has to offer older adults in Berks County.
Peg’s generosity extends beyond Berks Encore. She gives her time to Helping Harvest, assisting in unloading trucks of food for St. Joseph’s Pantry clients. She volunteers to sing in two church choirs and recently sent 145 Christmas cards to Veterans. “Volunteering keeps me busy and healthy,” says Peg, and her doctors attest to the positive impact on her well-being. She feels a sense of calm and contentment from helping others. Born and raised in Reading, Peg attended Central Catholic High School and developed a deep love for her community. Peg’s early experiences as a caregiver for her grandparents and parents laid the foundation for her passion for interacting with older adults. Beyond her volunteer work, Peg finds joy in completing word search puzzles, nurturing her vegetable garden, and tending to her roses. She is also a season ticket holder for Reading Royals Ice Hockey, where she enjoys the camaraderie of fellow fans and the excitement of the games.
Peg shared her greatest achievement is her resilience as a breast cancer survivor for 18 years. Her journey through adversity has only strengthened her resolve to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Berks Encore would like to thank Peg for her commitment to sharing her time with fellow friends at the Reading Center.
If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, please complete an application on the Get Involved page on our website www.berksencore.org/
