Community Corner
Volunteer Touches Lives of All Ages
This column features a YMCA volunteer and his work in the community.
Marblehead resident Dan Smith has been changing lives through his work as a volunteer in the North Shore community for almost a decade, and he’s not done yet.
Smith, a retired marketing and sales professional who served in the Air Force, began volunteering over eight years ago. His marketing and sales experience were requested by the Hospice of the North Shore to help with their annual Regatta, a fundraising event in Marblehead. This sparked years of volunteer work within the organization.
Smith regularly donates his time in companionship visits at the Hospice, visiting patients once to twice per week and spending time talking to them and keeping them company. Smith also volunteers at the Kaplan Family Hospice House at the front desk, greeting family and friends visiting loved ones who have weeks or days left to live.
As though there wasn’t enough on his volunteer plate, Smith began volunteering recently at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA coaching 1st and 2nd grade basketball.
“Working with young, active children provided a balance in my volunteering with the sick who have so little time left,” says Smith. “Being a coach at the Y allowed me to see a little bit more of the other side of life. I’m so glad I started volunteering here.”
Smith recounted a favorite memory from one of the first practices he coached: “As we finished practice, I felt a little tug on my shirt, and when I turned around one of the players was there to say thank you and ask if I would be coming back. It warmed my heart. I truly love sports and helping the kids at the Y learn about their favorite one.”
Smith coached basketball in the Y’s most recent eight-week session, teaching players about their favorite sport, and helping them with fair play and group development.
A member here at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA, and the old Marblehead YMCA before that, Smith spent a lot of time with his own son inside the YMCA basketball court and swimming pool.
For more information on volunteering with the YMCA, contact Jeanne Smith at smithj@northshoreymca.org.
