Appreciating our valley’s volunteers: Leslie Hoffman and Sarah Hiner with The Literacy Project
National Volunteer Appreciation Week is Apr. 21-27
Leslie Hoffman/Courtesy photo
Editor’s Note: Vail Daily is recognizing the amazing volunteers in our valley during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. If you would like to get involved, seek out various volunteer opportunities in GIVE magazine, which can be found on local newsstands.
Q: What made you decide to volunteer with The Literacy Project?
Leslie: I love to read and I love kids!
Sarah: We bought our home in Edwards in 2012 and since that time I had always planned that I would volunteer with children when we moved out here full time. Why? Because I am worried about the children of America given the high level of emotional challenges and lower performance scores in reading and math.
Q: What changes do you see in those you help?
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Leslie: It’s so rewarding to see a child that I worked with last year that was 2+ years behind his peers and just learning letters, progress this year to reading short books and not being afraid to try new words. Reading is a key to learning.
Sarah: I have seen improvement in performance for all children I am working with but I don’t think it’s because of the one hour a week that I spend with any given child or group of children. The teachers in the Eagle Country School District are extremely dedicated to helping their students succeed, and often give them multiple chances and accommodations to allow them to do so. I think the growth in the kids is due to a combination of the efforts of the teachers and my extra attention.
Q: How does it feel when they have an “ah-ha” moment or a breakthrough in what they are learning?
Leslie: To see the kids when they are proud of themselves is heartwarming. I had one little guy who struggled for months to sound out words. One day I was preparing to help him sound out a word and he reached over and patted me on the arm and confidently said, “I’ve got this Ms. Leslie,” and that brought tears to my eyes, literally!
Sarah: Among the kids I work with are several very remedial fifth-grade boys. One boy works so hard but struggles so much. During one of our first sessions, I asked if he thought we could read a book that day — he didn’t think so, but we did. His smile of pride because he completed that book will stick with me always.
Q: What changes have you seen in yourself after volunteering?
Leslie: I have overcome a little of my shyness working with the kids. I am less stressed about politics, world events and the like…things that I have no control over. When I look in the mirror, I know what I CAN do is help kids learn to read, which can change their life!
Sarah: Working through The Literacy Project I have a deeper understanding of the need for support among our immigrant community. The immigrant parents are working very hard to provide a better life for their kids in America, but, due to the different language, the children need extra support to help them become strong readers.
Q: What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?
Leslie: Do it! It’s not only good for community, but good for you the volunteer. It’s good for your physical and mental well-being. You get to meet new people and feel more of a part of something.
Sarah: Do it! Even an hour or two a week makes a huge difference in a young person’s life. You can only play so much golf and pickleball.
