Volunteer Spotlight: Imelda O'Connor

Our volunteers are a huge part of our day-to-day operations. They keep the store in excellent shape and provide a wonderful experience to our teacher shoppers each week. That's why we're happy to introduce you to some of our hard-working volunteers on the blog to say thanks! This month, meet Imelda O'Connor.

How long have you volunteered at Teachers' Treasures?

I only started volunteering this year beginning in February - so I've only been around for about seven weeks, although it seems longer than that. I feel very much at home amongst the bookshelves.  

What do you typically do when you’re here?

I am still learning the ropes, and the training wheels are still very much on: I guess I am the Book Lady in Training. So mainly sorting/categorizing, shelving/displaying reading materials, books, professional teaching resources, DVDs etc.      

What’s your favorite part of volunteering?

I absolutely know I have found my home at Teacher's Treasures. I had been searching for a volunteer opportunity for a while and I just knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. Every individual who works or volunteers for TTs is so invested in the mission of helping teachers teach and children learn. I am sure all the teachers who frequent the store on shopping days feel that too. I love to come into the store after a shopping day to see the shelves are empty of a particular title or series we had on display. My girls have always been avid readers - so I am very fortunate in recognizing the 'hot stuff' when it comes to good reads. 

What do you do outside of Teachers’ Treasures? 

I am Mom to three incredibly amazing and exhausting teenagers . . . so as we parents all know that usually consists of being everything from Taxi driver, to banker, mender/fixer, teen counselor, STEM homework expert, cook and domestic slave so to speak.  When time permits I love to go to the movies, music concerts, travel, volunteering with Girl Scouting activities and trying to squeeze in trips to England to visit with my Mom when possible. 

Obviously we’re big fans of teachers! Who is a teacher that made an impact on your life?

I cannot recall one teacher in particular; however, I would like to share that I have seen the lifelong impact that so many teachers have had on my girls throughout the years.  It is something to see that my daughter's graduation guest list is so far half-filled with invitations to all the teachers who have helped her on her journey to the Class of 2016. This speaks volumes to me.  I am sure we will all agree - we all have that one special teacher who left an indelible footprint. 

Thank you for sharing your story and for all of your hard work at Teachers' Treasures, Imelda! 

Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about our current opportunities to get involved.

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