VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - FEBRUARY 2008
 

ROSLAND HARRIS

Rosland Harris knows how to manage her time.  In addition to a full time job, she has two boys and manages to volunteer four days a week from one to three hours at a time at her son’s Head Start center.

“I love helping other people,” said the attractive woman with a smile.  She cares for the elderly in their homes when she’s not volunteering at Gannon Head Start or in her 11 year-old son’s school.

“I heard this center (Gannon) was being built and waited two years until my son was old enough to go.  I like to be involved in my children’s lives,” she said. 

Her duties at the center include serving as vice president of the center board in addition to helping serve breakfast, making sure the children brush their teeth, read, setting up learning areas, copying materials and even doing laundry.

As vice president, her latest task is planning a Valentine’s Day party for the center as well as assisting the president at Gannon Parent Committee meetings and fundraising endeavors.

“I know volunteering is what keeps Head Start running,” Rosland said.  “I love to come to the center.  The people here have such good attitudes and they really appreciate what I do.  They are so sweet.  It makes a big difference when you like the people you work with.”

Asked if she will return as a volunteer for her son’s second year at Gannon, Rosland said yes.  “My son loves it here and he has learned so much!  I can see the difference between him and children who don’t go to Head Start.  He seems to know so much more.”

She states her desire to help other parents is one reason she keeps coming back.  “I know some parents, due to their jobs, can’t volunteer, so I try to take up the slack.  Many parents, especially single ones, can’t afford weekly child care and need a place like Head Start to help them out, and Head Start needs volunteers.” 

Gannon staff appreciates Rosland and are quick to praise her efforts at the center. 

“She’s just great!” one teacher said. “I wish I had many more like her.”

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