WHITE STONE—Volunteer River Counties recently named Carolyn Quinn its Volunteer of the Month, highlighting a growing movement toward senior citizen volunteerism at Lancaster High School.
Quinn, a former Washington, D.C., government relations professional and the founder and previous owner of Dug In Farms, has successfully bridged the gap between the area’s retired population and youth through a team dinner initiative under the Lancaster High School Booster Club.
The initiative addresses a daily logistical challenge: student-athletes are often released from school at 3 p.m. for games that do not begin until 7 p.m., leaving working families to scramble for pre-game meals. To solve this without pulling from the school’s capital funds, Quinn established a program where community members and churches fund, cook and serve one hot meal per team each season. Organizers emphasize that the program is open to all community members and volunteers do not need to have a child enrolled in the school system to make a profound difference.
“All of the volunteers actually serve the kids because it gives us a chance to talk to them in person and interact with them,” said Quinn. “We’re able to tell them how proud we are of their success… and let them know that there’s people out there who aren’t their parents or their coach that actually care.”
Quinn added that the response from the school has been overwhelmingly positive, noting, “I think they’re happy to see the retired community stepping up a little.”
The mutual joy of the program recently was on full display during a golf team dinner coordinated by Quinn at the Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC). A dozen residents joined 18 young golfers for a shared meal that concluded with a spirited “putt-off,” where an 80-year-old resident claimed first place over the teenagers.
The program has gained significant momentum through partnerships with area organizations, including financial and volunteer backing from Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Grace Episcopal Church and RWC residents.
Lancaster High School Booster Club president Katie Parker, who nominated Quinn for the award, noted her deep impact on the organization. “Carolyn always brings thoughtful ideas, fresh perspectives, and a contagious enthusiasm,” said Parker. “She helps write newspaper articles, enthusiastically promotes the Booster Club to everyone she meets and constantly encourages us to think bigger and do more.”
For community members looking to find their own place to contribute, Quinn and Parker invite everyone to visit VolunteerRiverCounties.org to locate the Lancaster High School Boosters page. Alternatively, community members can reach out via email at lancasterhsboosters@gmail.com.
The Booster Club will next meet at 6 p.m. Monday, November 9 at Lancaster High School, 100 Visionary Way, Irvington. Whether folks can give an hour to serve spaghetti, help organize the annual spring auction, or make a financial contribution, there is a seat at the table for everyone.
