Volunteer Appreciation Cookie Party

Elsina Creps, KOREH L.A. school coordinator at Lockhurst Elementary School, is an exceptional person. In addition to ensuring a wonderful volunteer experience for the twenty KOREH L.A. volunteers at her school, Elsina manages all of Lockhurst’s other volunteer programs. This is quite a feat in and of itself, but when you take into account that Elsina’s work is done on a completely voluntary basis, it becomes truly remarkable. Elsina is not only inspiring because of her passion as a coordinator, but for the ingenuity she brings to the KOREH L.A. program at Lockhurst. This is no more evident than in the annual Lockhurst Cookie Party which took place this year on January 29th to thank the volunteers.

Held during school recess from approximately 10:30-11:15am, the Lockhurst Cookie Party consisted of many heartwarming elements. Aside from the plentiful cookies and refreshment spread arranged by Elsina, Lockhurst’s Principal Ann Teraoka read a story to the mentors and mentees in attendance. Later, Elsina took the opportunity to thank and recognize each of the students and volunteers in attendance with a round of applause.

As the party wound down and children began to return to their classes, the KOREH L.A. volunteers who were in attendance stayed to get better acquainted with fellow volunteers and staff. It was so gratifying to see the faces of both freshly trained volunteers and longtime reading partners.

Having the chance to glean insight from the mentoring and teaching experiences of some longtime volunteers was an absolute treat. Anita Rosenthal has amassed over three decades of experience as a teacher in Los Angeles and has been a volunteer with KOREH for over six years. The passion and the wisdom that Anita brings to the program is a deeply treasured asset. Having the opportunity to meet first-year volunteers like Marlene Glick and Jackie Lee was also a pleasure. To see two friends who volunteer at the same time, on the same day, in the same classroom is truly something special.

KOREH L.A. is essentially about the relationships forged by mentors and mentees, but it is wonderful that a coordinator like Elsina Creps is able to bring the mentors and mentees from her school together to share experiences, celebrate this wonderful program, and eat cookies too!