Elizabeth Servidio

FFor Elizabeth Servidio, volunteerism is a calling that is deeply rooted in the social responsibility to make our community a better place to live.

“I hope Madison will continue to attract people who have the gift of service who will keep the city’s many community activities going as well as develop new ones,” she said.

Elizabeth is a source of constant support at the Madison Senior Center off of Hughes Road in a role that requires daily and weekly attention. She is described as a loyal and faithful volunteer who gives much of her time to our community’s senior population.

Volunteer at the Madison Senior Center

The Madison Senior Center is where Madison’s older adults congregate to fulfill many of their social, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. They provide an opportunity for seniors to get active, enjoy various social activities, and to improve their overall quality of life.

It is also a community service that is dependent on mostly volunteers to run successfully.

Her volunteer service provides a basic need that is integral to the seniors as well as their caregivers, especially at a time when seniors are vulnerable to social isolation.

As a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, she preps meals for over 125 homebound seniors weekly and for 125 in-center meal participants daily.

“My small involvement in the Meals on Wheels program helps Madison seniors who are unable to leave their homes as well as supporting those seniors who are able to eat at the center,” said Elizabeth. “I also hope to make the day of the kitchen staff easier.”

She also launders the towels, inventories and orders supplies, and enters data electronically. She makes herself available Monday through Friday to assist in the kitchen as needed and monitors the monthly volunteer calendars to assure the center has full coverage.

“We feel so fortunate to have her as a volunteer here,” said Levoneia Ayers, Director of the Madison Senior Center. “When she could have chosen so many worthy organizations to give her time, she chose the senior center.”

Even as someone who is comfortable working behind the scenes, Elizabeth also loves the social aspect of volunteering. “The best part is meeting new people: other volunteers, employees, and clients. Everyone has a unique story and I enjoy hearing them.”

Her advice to anyone wanting to volunteer is that sometimes it takes a leap of faith. “Jump in. If the position doesn’t suit you, find one that will. You will find the ideal position eventually.”