Caitlin

Caitlin is a dedicated volunteer who has been giving her time to the Aisling Center for nearly a year. After recently graduating from college, she is now working as a Nursing Assistant and preparing to apply to Physician’s Assistant school. Caitlin’s connection to the center goes back to her childhood. She took karate classes, was in the first cohort of the Foróige Youth Club, and even received her Irish passport through the center. She currently volunteers by preparing the utensils for the eighty seniors that attend Young @ Heart Senior Lunch. She enjoys volunteering because it allows her to give back to her community and provides a welcome break from the stress of school and work. Caitlin always leaves feeling better than when she came in, knowing she made a difference!

Patrick 

Patrick, a retired member of the NYPD, has been volunteering at the Aisling Center for about 4 years. He first learned about the Aisling Center through a friend whose mother attended the center. After some encouragement, he decided to give it a try. What started as a way to stay active in retirement quickly became something much more meaningful. Patrick volunteers for Homebound Meal Deliveries. He finds it incredibly rewarding because of the joy it brings to those receiving meals. He enjoys spending time with the staff and volunteers who make the center feel like one big family. Patrick’s favorite time of year is the summer, when new interns from Ireland join the center through the Project Children Summer Work and Travel Program. Their energy inspires him and reminds him of the importance of the center’s work.

Joe

Joe needs no introduction because his work in the community speaks for itself! His volunteer journey began over 20 years ago, while sitting on a bench outside Artuso’s Bakery (now Hearty & Healthy). Two members of the Irish Volunteers for the Homeless approached him and asked for help carrying food. The rest is history! Every Monday night since then, he has been bringing much needed food, clothing, and other essentials down to the homeless in NYC. What keeps him coming back year after year is seeing the direct impact of the community’s generosity and the gratitude of those receiving it. Always ready to lend a hand, Joe puts it best: “I do whatever the ladies tell me to do!” He enjoys being surrounded by the good people at the Aisling Center and the satisfaction of delivering essential items to those who truly need it. In 2025, Joe volunteered for over 200 hours!

Sophia

Sophia spreads kindness and creativity through a special project for the Homebound Meal Delivery Program. For nearly two years, she has been making handmade holiday crafts and birthday cards for homebound seniors, helping brighten their day with thoughtful, personalized messages. She first connected to the Aisling Center through The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe, an organization that supports our meal delivery program, and reached out to see how she could get involved. She then started a program called Cards for a Cause, where she works with elementary school students to create handmade greeting cards for various organizations. The project has become a favorite activity for the students, and Sophia loves seeing the joy and impact their messages bring the seniors we serve.

Susan

Susan is a dedicated Homebound Meal Delivery volunteer at the Aisling Center. She is retired and has been volunteering for less than a year, but she has already become a valued part of the community. After joining senior lunch at the invitation of her friend Breda, Susan was encouraged by Sister Christine to get more involved as a volunteer, and she jumped right in! Inspired by the lovely people she met and the important work being done here, Susan decided to lend a helping hand. Each week she ensures seniors in the community receive a warm meal and a friendly connection. Susan loves the Aisling Center for it’s welcoming spirit and the chance to meet so many wonderful people.

Brenda

Brenda is an incredible Homebound Meal Delivery volunteer. Since retiring from owning the Parkway Delicatessen, she has become an active member of the center and has been volunteering for a few months. She discovered the opportunity through other volunteers while attending Tuesday lunch at the center. Brenda enjoys giving back to the community and finds great satisfaction in participating in the Homebound Meal Delivery Program. She believes in helping others now, before she might need help herself someday. Her favorite part of volunteering is spending time with others and forming connections with those she delivers meals to.

Anthony

Anthony has been a dedicated volunteer at the Aisling Center since January 2024. A retired painter, Anthony spends his time helping at the Tuesday Senior Lunch and Wednesday Homebound Meal Deliveries. He first learned about volunteering from a former Aisling Center employee, who encouraged him to join senior lunch. Before he knew it, he was penciled into the schedule for Wednesday deliveries! One homebound senior once told him, “When I see you, I know today is Wednesday.” Moments like this remind him how meaningful even a small visit can be. His favorite part of volunteering is working alongside other volunteers and staff. Anthony is also a baker, so the staff and volunteers are the lucky taste-testers of his delicious treats! In 2025, Anthony volunteered for over 200 hours!

Margaret

Margaret, a retired nurse, is a dedicated volunteer at our Tuesday Senior Lunch and Wednesday Homebound Meal Deliveries. She first joined us after her neighbor invited her to attend lunch and before long, she was inspired to start volunteering herself! Margaret truly enjoyed her career in nursing, and she now finds a similar sense of fulfillment in her role as a volunteer. While she initially began volunteering as a way to give back to her community, she quickly discovered that she receives just as much in return through friendships, a strong sense of community, and renewed purpose. She especially loves seeing seniors engage and socialize with one another, and appreciates all the laughter and joy that comes with volunteering!