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What It Takes To Be a Real Volunteer... - Jack Peckhams’ Story
By Imaeyen Ibanga
His once soft voice is a bit more audible and steady. After volunteering more than a decade
with Boston Senior Home Care, 69-year-old Jack Peckham has acquired something he’s been searching
for - self-esteem.
Since becoming a senior companion volunteer, the Boston native said he has become less shy
and more confident. He remembers one volunteer experience in particular that showed him he
could perform well.
Nine years ago Peckham was taking an elder to an eye doctor appointment. “We had a very long wait,”
he said. “And the client grew impatient and frustrated as the time passed. She wanted to leave.”
But, Peckham said he was able to calm her down and keep her from walking out.
“It made me feel so good,” he said. “Before then, I was shy and nervous. I really didn’t think I
was going to last that long (as a volunteer).” And, Peckham said volunteering with elders requires
a variety of personality characteristics. “To be a real volunteer you have to have patience,
perseverance, compassion and a sense of humor,” Peckham said.
And of those qualities, Peckham said, humor is key. “I think we need laughter to break up some
of the monotony in the world,” he said. “If I think of something funny, I’ll tell them about it.”
During his 20-hour volunteer week, Peckham calls homebound elders to check on their well-being,
performs errands for them, and occasionally serves as a medical escort. He emphasized that the
client interactions are his favorite part of the volunteer experience.
“I’d rather be out visiting,” Peckham said. “So I can get out and help them in some small way.
A lot of them are lonely and want to reminisce about their old Boston days.”
Peckham said he’ll continue volunteering as long as he can. “It’s keeping me busy,” he said.
“I think it’s very important to keep active as long as you’re able to.”
And he said one the experience has taught him one life lesson. “I’ve found out in life, if you
treat people the way you want to be treated with respect and kindness, you’re not going to have
many problems.”
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