Never Too Old to Volunteer

Edwina Prinster is a very young 84 year old. She started volunteering with Love Columbia six years ago and says,“The relationships I’ve formed have changed and greatly enriched my life.” 

Relationship is key for Edwina. She coached three women through our 16-week Extra Mile money management program and is still in close contact with them all. Edwina says she started financial coaching with trepidation because she isn’t great at math and had never coached anyone before. “It all worked out great in the end because the budgets were small and the women mostly needed a safe place to share their concerns and get support to take steps forward,” Edwina said.

Edwina was much more confident stepping into a volunteer role at The Love Seat. She immediately tackled the donated items that needed the most loving care. She takes great pride in scrubbing a cooking pot or pan until it shines with its original luster.

Edwina calls The Love Seat “a sacred place” where every person and donated item is lovingly brought to its fullest beauty and usefulness. She encourages everyone to volunteer, no matter how old (or young), with this invitation: “It is an oasis for one and all.”