Volunteer Spotlight – Bridging Generations Through Service

Bridging Generations Through Service

Sarah Glase, 71, lives in Mohnton, PA, with her husband Ken. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.  Sarah’s granddaughter, Kayla Craft, 17, from Sinking Springs, volunteers with her at the Berks Encore Mifflin Center packing and delivering Meals on Wheels.

Sarah began her volunteer work after retiring from Governor Mifflin School at age 64. She has been dedicated to volunteering since May 2017. At Berks Encore, Sarah contributes by packing food on Tuesday mornings and delivering meals on the first Tuesday of each month. She also steps in to help on other days when needed. Sarah believes in the importance of giving back to the community, as one never knows when they might need the community’s support in return.

Kayla started her volunteering journey at the age of 12 and has continued ever since. She helps pack and deliver meals, along with her grandmother. Kayla enjoys volunteering because it allows her to meet many people with diverse stories.

Through her volunteer work, Sarah has gained insight into the needs of elderly individuals and finds the experience incredibly rewarding. She enjoys listening to the stories of men who have served in the military and received various awards. Some meal recipients have even previously volunteered for Meals on Wheels themselves.

Kayla, on the other hand, loves hearing the stories shared while packing meals, finding the people she meets to be incredible. Berks Encore has provided Kayla with numerous opportunities to meet people she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise, all while allowing her to give back.

In addition to her work with Berks Encore, Sarah has also volunteered at St. Francis, a hospice facility, for 1.5 years before the pandemic. Volunteering at St. Francis provided Sarah with a deeper understanding of the healthcare field and the crucial need for dedicated healthcare workers.

Kayla has volunteered at the hospice center along with her grandmother. In addition, Kayla volunteers at school events, and is preparing to become a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician. She is currently in high school, working at Boehringer’s Drive In, and is a member of the marching band, concert band, indoor percussion, and the National Honor Society. She plans to attend college. Kayla’s greatest achievement is her ability to help others through her volunteer services. Kayla loves playing the clarinet and reading.

Sarah is retired after a diverse career that included working at Mohnton Knitting sewing T-shirts, spending 27 years in the kitchen at Governor Mifflin School, and babysitting in her home for 10 years. Sarah considers her love of helping people of all ages her greatest achievement. Sarah enjoys baking, sewing, making Easter candy, and gardening.

Berks Encore would like to thank Sarah and Kayla for their dedication and compassion as volunteers for Berks Encore. Their story is an inspiration to all, showcasing the profound impact of giving back to the community across generations.