Ann Raikes – Albemarle County
Tell us about your volunteer activities.
As a former 1st grade teacher, I have volunteered-
1. 1 year, kindergarten (2 hrs. weekly), Murray Elementary School.
2. 2 years, first grade (2 hrs. weekly), Murray Elementary School.
3. 1 year, third grade (1 hour weekly), Murray Elementary School.
4. 4 years, kindergarten (2 hrs. weekly) Meriwether Lewis Elementary School.
5. Delivered Meals on Wheels – 4 years.
6. Knit baby blankets for Linus Project (4 years – about 30 blankets) and blankets for UVA Hospital.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I enjoy spending time with young children and showing them that school and learning can be fun. Meals gives me a chance to help make sure those in need have one healthy meal a day and an opportunity to interact, as many are alone most of the time. Knitting blankets for babies in the hospital, hopefully offers a ray of sunshine for families during a difficult time.
If your volunteer work could make one long-lasting change, what would you want it to be?
I hope telling others of the pleasure I feel from volunteering will encourage those with spare time to also volunteer.
What is a little-know fact about you?
I was part of an experiment at Douglas Elementary School (Loudoun Co.) in the early 1970s. My first grade class consisted of 25 BOYS. (No Kindergarten/no teacher’s aide). It was quite a learning experience for everyone. It was decided at the end of the year that a mixture of girls and boys works best.
What brought you to Charlottesville/Albemarle?
My husband and I moved here to enjoy the beauty and all the opportunities both social and intellectual. Our daughter and her family live here, which is wonderful.
