May is when we begin to wrap up the school year and prepare to set sail into our summer programs. But first, we’re taking a moment to appreciate homework-helper extraordinaire Nancy Prickitt, a longtime volunteer in our After-School Tutoring program. She’s our May Volunteer of the Month, and a highlight of our school year — so read on to hear what she has to say about being part of the 826 family.
What is one of your favorite memories from volunteering at 826 Valencia?Â
One of my students and I were reading a Star Wars story after we did math homework.  We then followed the instructions at the end of the book to make origami hand puppets for the characters.  We had a lot of fun figuring that out! A few weeks later, I got a Christmas “thank you” card from that student. He thanked me for making division easy for him, and for doing the Darth Vader voice – which I had forgotten! And he drew our puppets: Jabba the Hutt and the Ewoks. My smile lasted for days.
What led you to become part of our volunteer community?
I was walking down Valencia Street and saw this curious window. I had to see what types of items a Pirate Supply Store sold.  I was utterly charmed, and then I realized it was a Dave Eggers project. I knew right then that when I retired I would be volunteering with 826.  Two years later I was at the fall orientation, and that was nearly two years ago. It has been all that I hoped for in a volunteer opportunity — connection, humor, a feeling of contribution. Thank you 826!
Pirates, pufferfish, or woodland creatures? Pick one!Â
If I were to be one of the three I would choose to be a woodland creature and specifically a fairy. Â I imagine it would be a most marvelous thing to be able to sprinkle fairy dust whenever and wherever I chose. Â There are so many people, places, and things in need of a bit of fairy dust right now.
What would we find you doing when not you’re not volunteering at 826?
Hiking the hills of Marin, making food for friends, reading reading reading, sewing and creating with fabric, taking art classes, and going to see art of all kinds.Â
What advice would you give a new 826 volunteer?
HAVE FUN! Play until the giggles get out of control and you have to reel it back in. Â To be around their wondrous imaginations and curious minds is a heart-opening gift.
We couldn’t serve our students without our strong community of volunteers like Nancy. Our model runs on individualized support, and each tutor makes a huge difference. Join the crew!
Want more inspiring stories? Read about our previous Volunteers of the Month.