45°
Deepali Puri, 15, was skeptical at first. The Westhill High School sophomore didn't believe she could make a difference when so many volunteers were expected at the St. Luke's LifeWorks holiday gift-wrapping party in Stamford.
"I wondered, why do I need to come if they have so many volunteers?" said Deepali, whose mom, Nino, works in the St. Luke's LifeWorks Development Office. Then, she met the other volunteers.
"When you walk in, you just feel the vibe," she said.
This year marks her third as a gift-wrapper for the project, which makes gifts available for 2,500 youngsters throughout Fairfield County who otherwise might not receive Christmas presents.
"It's giving joy at Christmas, and I love giving back. It really makes me feel great," said Deepali who wrapped gifts at Saturday's event. "It's amazing."
She enjoys the experience so much that this year she encouraged her friend, 15-year-old Westhill sophomore Erin McDonough, to come. Erin's sister, Shannon, a sixth-grader at Cloonan Middle School, volunteered as well.
"I thought it might be kind of fun to do," said Shannon, who served as a floater, jumping in where needed.
Saturday's wrapping party attracted 250 volunteers. Next Saturday, for Part II, about 300 are expected.
"We're already at maximum registration for next week's wrapping party," said Elaine Osowski, director of volunteers for St. Luke's LifeWorks.
The volunteers are essential to the project's success, said Takeia McAlister, 2010 Holiday Gift Collection manager. Like Deepali, some bring friends. "Our DJ, DJ Peter Rodriguez, sent friends emails. About 35 to 40 came to gift wrap."
The fact that all the volunteer slots for both wrapping parties were filled is a tribute to the organization, said Nino Puri.
"I really think it is the spirit of St. Luke's Lifeworks."
Any questions or comments about the event? Felicia can be reached at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.com. Are you volunteering somewhere this holiday season?
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
