We’re excited to introduce you to our June Volunteer of the Month, Mike Wolf! Mike joined 826NYC back in 2005, making him our longest tenured volunteer! Mike predominantly supports Write Together, our field trips program, bringing student stories to life with his illustrations. You might also recognize him as a scorekeeper during our annual Trivia Night for Cheaters fundraiser! Find out more about Mike from his interview below:

826NYC: How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?

Mike: I live in the neighborhood and saw the storefront. I’ve done other volunteer work relating to literacy and was a huge comic book fan, so it was a great fit. I’m pretty sure I’m the longest tenured volunteer—I started in May of 2005!

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

Mike: When the kids show up for a field trip and are being led into the store, I always love the audible gasp when the secret door to the writing center opens. I also love the yearly Trivia for Cheaters fundraiser.

826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

Mike: I’m an engineer for a national television news broadcaster. I also love making art, watching movies and riding my bike.

826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?

Mike: If you’re doing illustrations for an 826 field trip, always try to sneak Abraham Lincoln into the background of one of the drawings.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

Mike: I’m pretty good a fixing stuff, even if it’s a thing I never saw before. Also, I can swallow pills without water if I need to.

Like Mike, you can connect with students from across NYC when their class attends a field trip at our center—before you’re even background checked! To learn more about how to sign up for your first Write Together shift, email volunteer@826nyc.org. Want to support our students? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!