Happy to Help began volunteering in The Boutique 10 or 12 years ago, around the same time as Barbara. Her role involves more than just assisting shoppers, and she enjoys the perks of discovering new friendships. “I’ve made some special friends who come on Wednesdays because they know I’m here,” she said. “I’m not just helping with clothing. I’m helping others feel better by listening. I enjoy knowing I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has more than 750 volunteers serving across its campus from helping in gift shops to escorting residents in the Masonic Health Care Center for appointments and events to sitting with hospice patients. Our Mission of Love would not be possible without their generosity and selflessness. We look forward to welcoming all volunteers back after the pandemic. Wearing a Smile Amidst rows of neatly hung men’s shirts, brightly colored women’s skirts and beaded necklaces at The Boutique, you’ll also find a few friendly faces – a group of dedicated volunteers eager to help. The Boutique is Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s clothing and accessories store. Residents and staff donate clothes to the store, and it’s open (pre- and postCOVID-19) several hours a week for shoppers in a safe environment.
Barbara Zell has always sought to meet new people, and she has found no better way than through volunteering. Through her children’s activities, her church and now, as lead volunteer at The Boutique, volunteering has been her gateway to new relationships. Barbara normally volunteers on Fridays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and she also coordinates the schedules of 18 volunteers and two substitutes to work with the clothing when the seasons change. In addition to helping shoppers, the volunteers sort clothes, hang them and organize off-season stacks to be donated to local missions. While The Boutique is currently closed, shoppers can contact one of the volunteers directly and reserve a time to visit. “We are all dedicated and friendly,” Barbara said of the volunteers. “I know all of them. We get to know a lot of the customers. There are some who come every week.” Lillian Rothwell (pictured right)
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Spring 2021 Issue
The Boutique also provides clothing for residents in the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Personal Care building. Items sell for between $0.50 and $2, although people may pay whatever they wish to donate. All proceeds support Masonic Village’s Mission of Love. “I have fun, I serve and I have many rewarding experiences,” Barbara said. “We help people here who are physically limited and cannot do a lot of shopping. People who downsize when moving here appreciate having somewhere to donate. It’s also a relief to people to know that we will take the clothing when someone passes away or moves to a higher level of care.” Lillian was a teacher for 31 years and spent some evenings helping at school and with parent events. She also helped at her church with everything from luncheons to serving as a greeter. After moving to Masonic Village 15 years ago with her late husband, Tom, they both volunteered with the Employee Appreciation Fund and continued to serve as greeters at their former church.
