This Month, we caught up with Store to Door Volunteer Peggy Schlegel, who has been volunteering as a Friendly Caller and Volunteer Shopper since 2021! During that time, Peggy has given more than 400 hours of her time in support of our homebound client, and is a regular fixture on Thursdays at the the Hollywood Store!
Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?
A: In 2002 after my husband retired and I gave up caching High School Dance Teams I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. A friend told me to look at Whats Up Portland. I found the store to door opportunity and since I enjoy talking t people I began by calling clients at the overton street building and writing their orders on paper. At the time there was a woman named Patty there that was quite nice. I did that for several years and also did a bit of shopping when I was able. At that time we were shopping at the burnside Fred Meyer.
I took a long break in about 2006 while I volunteered at Albertina Kerr. I began shopping again at the end of the Pandemic. I had a friend who lived in NE Portland and convinced her to shop for Store to Door also. Although I live in Banks I decided to shop at the Hollywood Fred Meyer with her. We would normally have coffee afterwards. I soon became a bit more connected with the other shoppers and staff and feel very comfortable gong in when I am able.
Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?
A: When I am not volunteering at Store to door my time is spent volunteering at Rose Haven, (a day shelter) , cooking meals and baking for my family and friends, going to a local gym 2 days a week, attending my grandchildren’s school events, travelling a bit , continuing to market my deceased husbands art work with Northwest Galleries, and directing the Thunderbird High School Summer Dance Camp at the University of Portland. I also toon and Italian class for two years recently at Portland State.
Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?
A: Probably not anything too interesting… I twirled a baton for many years as a child and into my late teens, I marched in the One More Time Around Band with the Dancers for 4 years, About 35 -40 years ago I had a very small walk on part in the Television Movie “The Promise” starring James Garner. I have three adult children and 8 grandchildren. I love them all and have enjoyed taking some pretty fun trips with them…..
Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?
A: I would say if you like to Grocery Shop it is really a great experience …fun to discover new items that people ask for, so nice to call the client when you cannot find something and they are so appreciative of the call and that you took the time to check in. The volunteer commitment is not stressful. The staff at both Store to Door and Fred Meyer are helpful and kind.
It has been rewarding being a Friendly Caller too. The people I talk to each week are friendly, interesting and thoughtful. One of the gentlemen and I have a fun chat about sports every week…he is 92 years old but knows about all the teams!
I love being able to volunteer at Store to Door…the work this organization does is so appreciated and I am happy to be a small part of Store to Door.