A Salute to Texas Volunteers

In honor of National Volunteer Month, we at AARP Texas would like to honor those who have made a difference in their communities this year. Though we cannot spotlight all the volunteers who give generously of their time to AARP because they are so numerous, here are two examples of volunteers that have bettered Texas through their work.

President of her AARP chapter and a volunteer leader focusing on Hispanic and Latino outreach in East Austin, Enedelia Obregón has a heart for serving others.

East Austin reminds her of the town that she grew up in. As a young adult, she felt that she didn't have a voice to speak out for herself and against injustices in her community. Today, she works to help the Mexican-American community feel connected and empowered. She prides herself on the small details that can make people feel comfortable. Instead of cookies at her chapter’s socials, Enedelia suggested pan dulce Mexican sweet bread.

Enedelia hopes her work instills a sense of community of Mexican-Americans in Austin, allowing them to feel confident that their voices will be heard.

“Sometimes people feel they don’t have anything to contribute,” says Enedelia, “but if you saw the impact of our volunteering in our community... I think that would change anyone’s mind.”

Donald Hamm of Brownsville is considered a technology expert among his peers. It started when his wife suggested he become more involved in community service. Three years later, he is a regular AARP volunteer and a voice of leadership in his community. 

“Sometimes when we get older, we lose our drive,” says Donald. “We focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can do.”

Donald offers his talents to photograph events, assist with computer issues, and recruit new volunteers. During his time with AARP, the local volunteer team has increased from four active members to around 30.

He is glad to be able to give back to his community in any way that he can. Not everyone is technologically gifted, for example, but that doesn't stop you from contributing.

Come with the gifts that you have, he urges, and make someone else’s day brighter.

Everyone who volunteers deserves recognition. Whether you volunteer every week, once a month, or once a year, thank you for giving your time and energy to make someone else's day a little brighter.