NorthBay Guild Volunteer Gets More than He Gives

Fifteen years ago, Patrick Popola was going through some very hard times when a his neighbor made a suggestion that really turned things around for him. “My neighbor recommended that I try volunteering at NorthBay Healthcare,” explained the 86-year-old Fairfield resident. He decided to check it out and shortly thereafter signed up to be a NorthBay Guild volunteer.

“Volunteering really helped me out through those hard times. I got a lot of support from other Guild members; we’re like a family helping each other out wherever and whenever we can.”

Retired from a 25-year career in the retail industry, Patrick gravitated toward volunteering in the Gift Shop at NorthBay Medical Center. “I had experience buying merchandise and setting up displays, and I love being around people. I guess you could say it was the perfect slot. And, it kept me going.”

The NorthBay Guild is preparing for a new round of volunteer recruitment. If you’re newly retired or will be soon, check out northbay.org/volunteers. For more information about volunteering at NorthBay, call (707) 646-3136.