National Volunteer Month 2019: From Visiting Mom to Calling Bingo

April is National Volunteer Month, which is a time to celebrate the remarkable ways Concordia volunteers serve our residents, patients and families every day. With the helping hands of our volunteers, many more lives are filled with joy, fellowship and inspiration. Each week for the month of April, we’ll introduce you to a volunteer whose acts of service have touched many lives. This week, Concordia of Monroeville volunteer Paul Welcker shares his story.

Volunteering at Concordia of Monroeville for nearly two years, Paul believes serving others is something that everyone should do.

“If you are a compassionate and caring person, volunteering is a great thing,” Paul said.

He initially came to Concordia to spend time with his mother, Betty, who was a resident at the location.

“I would take her to outings and bingo,” Paul remembered. “From then on, I just started helping out other residents.”

After Betty passed in 2017, Paul continued to volunteer, assisting with bingo every Sunday and Wednesday and lending a hand wherever needed.

“If I see a resident that needs help, I do whatever I can for them,” Paul said. “It’s just a nice feeling that people appreciate what I’m doing.”

In addition to donating his time, Paul has crafted seasonal decorations for the dining room tables, purchased supplies for bingo games and taken residents on outings.

“When my mom was here, she would always help other people too,” Paul said. “She used to volunteer at the hospital in McKeesport, and she always asked people what they needed. She instilled that in me.”

Aside from volunteering, Paul enjoys camping, landscaping and spending time with his two dogs.

“My favorite part about coming in is the residents,” Paul said. “Just being able to help them is the best thing.”

For more information about our mission and volunteer opportunities at one of our senior care locations in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio or Tampa, Florida, visit our Locations Map or call our administrative headquarters at 724-352-1571.