ST. ALBANS — Marie Dupont has a long history of volunteering and helping people of all ages to thrive in the community.
From delivering Meals on Wheels to teaching Tai chi and more, she enjoys volunteering her time in a variety of capacities because her efforts benefit both herself and the greater community.
“I was trying to think about why I do it, and I think it’s because I enjoy it and learn a lot,” Dupont said.
These days, she does respite work so caregivers can focus on themselves for a while. She has also been a friendly visitor in the past and provided companionship and support to lonely seniors.
While she helped people with these programs through Age Well, Dupont now acts as a Foster Grandparent with United Way to second-graders at Georgia Elementary School.
“I don’t teach them a whole lot, I’m just there to be kind to them,” Dupont said. “You get back more than you give. I love being with kids, they’re so different and energetic and who they are.”
She also enjoys being around seniors with Age Well because the seniors she helps through respite also have their own personalities, she said.
“I just love the new creative ideas in the case of kids and the wonderful history you get with older adults,” Dupont said.
Volunteering has been an essential part of her life for decades. She helped make meals with her father as a child and worked as a Humane Society volunteer at 17. She also volunteered as a mother with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, which her kids participated in.
Those who are looking to volunteer should know that they get twice as much back as they give, she said.
“When you are older and you volunteer it gets you out of yourself. If you just stay at home and watch TV after a while you’re not learning anything new,” Dupont said. “You can experience so much through the people you volunteer with.”
On the day she was interviewed by the Messenger,she was invited to read a story to children in Milton. She said the activity changed her outlook on the day.
Of the many relationships she has built over the years, she enjoyed being with one older lady in particular. They often had discussions about things happening in the world and what they thought about it. She said it reminded her of being with her mother.
“I don’t know why anyone doesn’t [volunteer] unless they’re not physically able. You can still contribute by being with people whether it’s kids or older adults.” Dupont said. “Sometimes when you get older, you wonder what’s left to do and this is purposeful.”
Written by Jean MacBride for SAMessenger