Ruth Gray
Ruth Gray is this month's featured volunteer! Ruth has mainly volunteered her time in the office. She's been with us for so long that she can't even remember when she started volunteering with East Bay Habitat. Fortunately we remember and appreciate her very much! Ruth's been volunteering for the past 10 years working in the office in different capacities and helping out with special events like Build-A-Thon and the Build the Dream Breakfast. She has been a faithful donor and friend of East Bay Habitat. In her spare time she reads, knits, enjoys live theater, and is interested in anything to do with food and cooking. Joel Mackey, Executive Director, works closely with Ruth and believes that she is an amazing volunteer. He has this to say about Ruth: "Ruth loves EBH, gives her all and her best to the work! I value her so much and depend on her for many things. She enables me to have a modicum of order and efficiency in my work life!"
Q&A with Ruth Gray
How did you first get involved with East Bay Habitat and what is your current role and level of involvement?
I don't remember exactly when I first started volunteering in the office, but Chris Becker was volunteer coordinator and Krysta was an AmeriCorps member. I did odd jobs for a while, then Joel wanted me to help him, and I've been there ever since. I also have delivered food at a couple of Build-a-thons and work in registration at the breakfasts in Oakland.
What motivates you to continue with East Bay Habitat?
I think I came to Habitat when I found myself needing some schedule and grounding in my life and wanted to work at something outside of my Alameda sphere of friends and contacts. I knew of Habitat's great reputation and the idea of building homes appeals to me - I've lived through several massive remodels and am rather fascinated by all that goes into it. However, I know I never knew how complicated the whole process is until I'd spent some time in the office!
How would you suggest a prospective volunteer get involved with East Bay Habitat?
Any prospective volunteer had best get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator. Of course, the best way is to go swing a hammer - but that's not everyone's cup of tea. I was lucky to be able to work in the office. I would also suggest working on the special fundraising events.
What is it like working with office staff? With office Americorps members?
I've thoroughly enjoyed all my contacts at EBH - the entire staff is not only impressive in abilities and devotion to the cause, but also a lot of fun to work with. I really enjoy being with all the staff, and only regret that so many of the AmeriCorps members are gone before I've really learned their names. Being in an office keeps me a LITTLE bit up on technology, and at times I can almost cope with printers, fax machines, and even, unwillingly, Joel's laptop.
The philosophical side of Ruth.
My mission and philosophy in life is doing something, which directly and concretely affects people's lives.
As I grow older I've really come to realize that if you don't keep involved in some way (and it's not always easy) you'll soon find yourself on a plateau far from the rest of the world (or at least the world as we know it in the USA), and have utterly nothing in common with any one else.
