We’re excited to introduce you to our August Volunteer of the Month, Kathy Christian!

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

I started volunteering almost exactly one year ago, following my retirement. I had learned of 826NYC a couple of years ago when I passed the table at a street fair, and I had long been curious about the Super Hero store. The goals of 826 were a good fit with my professional background, so I felt I could offer something to the effort, but I could also learn new things from the staff and the kids in the program. The atmosphere at 826 is always so friendly, supportive, and collaborative that it is easy to become fully engaged in the action. 

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

I most enjoy watching kids grow their confidence and skill with storytelling. I love to see them reading their own material and taking themselves seriously. Believe it or not, I also enjoy copyediting—it’s much easier to polish someone else’s effort than to create something from scratch. As an added bonus, I have learned a number of new vocabulary items from the Write After School crowd. English is quite a work in progress!

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

When I’m not at 826NYC I knit, garden, read, get involved with political action, connect with friends, practice yoga, and transcribe old documents for the city archives. I’m beginning to try to learn Italian.

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

A new volunteer should feel confident that he/she has something to offer, should be generous with time and attention, and enjoy the experience.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

I can live for more than a day without checking my phone, I can catch spotted lantern flies in my bare hand, and I make a mean lasagna.

Want to support our students this school year? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!