If you have ever been to United Way of Hunterdon County’s Volunteer Center, you have most likely met Audrey Zudick. For almost nine years, Audrey has volunteered at the United Way in Flemington, NJ, in just about every volunteer opportunity available.
In 2015, as Audrey was planning to retire from the bursor’s office at Raritan Valley Community College, she was already looking for what to do next. She knew she wanted to do something meaningful in her community. One of Audrey’s colleagues at RVCC, a UWHC board member, thought Audrey would be a perfect fit at United Way and introduced her to their CEO. The rest is history.
From greeting people at the front desk for their various programs, like Holiday Hands and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Services), to helping to distribute 6,500 pounds of fresh produce to local families in need, Audrey has done it all and the United Way of Hunterdon County is truly grateful for her years of service. When asked what her favorite memory was while volunteering at United Way, Audrey shared her first experience handing out backpacks for Tools 4 School, “When I gave a little boy his backpack, he turned around, ran back, and hugged me. It shows how a little thing can make such an impact. Seeing a child’s face light up—it’s irreplaceable. You never get that again.”
Audrey shared that her time volunteering with United Way “puts things in perspective.” “The appreciation from clients validates what you’re doing, and your purpose here.” She summed up her experience with United Way as “friendship, family, and fulfillment.”
Rachel Eichem, Chief Development Officer, shared, “Audrey is a force of nature! She never runs out of energy or enthusiasm, and can often change the outlook of your day just by spending a little time with her. She is happy to pitch in with whatever is needed, and all of us on staff appreciate being able to rely on her for whatever task is necessary.”
United Way of Hunterdon County has supported the community for more than 30 years, focusing on poverty prevention, financial empowerment, and advocacy to create positive change, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Volunteers are at the heart of their mission. For more information on opportunities to help to build a stronger community by volunteering, visit www.uwhunterdon.org or follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.
United Way of Hunterdon County loves to share their volunteers’ experiences through Volunteers United and other local publications. If you have your own United Way of Hunterdon County volunteer story to share, please visit their website at www.uwhunterdon.org/form/tell-your-volunteer-story-.