Easterseals Celebrates Volunteers – Both Two and Four-Legged

Bill Sudell may be the ‘official’ volunteer when he signs in for duty at the Easterseals in New Castle but it’s his dog, Skipper, who is the star of the show. For the last six years Bill Sudell and Skipper, an eight-year-old Schnoodle, have brightened the days of the people who attend Easterseals day services.

“Skipper is the star! I just hold the leash. It is fun to see how excited people get to see Skipper,” Sudell said. “My favorite part about volunteering with Easterseals is the friends I have made with the participants and staff. The staff are very nice, friendly and appreciative!”

Bill chooses to volunteer through PAWS for People because he enjoys the interaction with people and is a huge dog lover. He says that if he were ever in a position where he could not own a dog he would like to visit with them and realize how much it means to the people at Easterseals.

“Bill and Skipper have been a wonderful and welcomed addition to the Adult Day program,” Gwen Harris, Easterseals Center Director, said. “The participants look forward to the playful interaction with great excitement and energy. The visits seem to renew the spirit and elicit fond memories from their childhood. It’s very touching to see a participant who was extremely afraid of dogs now embrace Skipper and Bill without hesitation. The smiles on the faces tell the story best!”

April is volunteer month and Easterseals is celebrating people who spend their time volunteering their talents and expertise for people with disabilities. Bill is one of the over 1000 volunteers who support Easterseals and their mission to give people with disabilities more independent lifestyles. To learn more about volunteering, including internships, at Easterseals, please contact hr@esdel.org.

“I find volunteering at Easterseals very satisfying. Easterseals has wonderful services,” Sudell said. “I enjoy seeing people interact with Skipper and seeing the enjoyment they get when he comes to visit.”

PAWS for People™ (Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, or PAWS) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic visits to any person in the community who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet. Visit them at www.pawsforpeople.org.