When the Ferguson Road Initiative approached us about bringing free book fairs to the elementary schools in Far East Dallas, we were excited BUT we knew we would need more volunteers. They sent out the call and one of the sweetest ladies we have ever met responded. Elise Phillips, a retiree and active volunteer in local Dallas ISD schools as well as other organizations, volunteered for our first event two years ago. She was hooked! Since then, everytime we are in her community, she shares her warm smile and kind words with the kids.
BDK: Tell us a little about yourself. Where you live, your family, work, hobbies? What is something your friends love about you?
Elise: I live in Dallas, I am retired, I love to crochet and volunteer for causes that impact my community. I think my friends like the fact that they can count on me to do what I say I will do.
BDK: Yes! We DO count on you! How did you find BDK?
Elise: Book Drive for Kids was featured in the Ferguson Road Initiative Newsletter looking for volunteers to help with the book drives in the area they service.
BDK: What keeps you volunteering so regularly?
Elise: Kids need to learn to read. Good reading skills take practice and these children love the fact that they can take home books of their very own.
BDK: What is one word that sums up a Book Drive for Kids free book fair?
Elise: Happy
BDK: Do you feel like you are making a difference?
Elise: I hope so. The children are so grateful each year that they get to participate in the book drives.
BDK: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
Elise: Volunteers are needed in so many areas and you get so much satisfaction watching the children pick out books that they are interested in and will read.