Humans of RiverWoods is inspired by the well-known series and book, Humans of New York.

Today, we’re featuring Louise, who has lived a life committed to volunteerism, starting at the age of 15 when she volunteered at Newton Wellesley, as a Candy Striper. Once retired and with her children grown, she began volunteering in a higher capacity and continues to today!

When asked which volunteer opportunity fed her soul the most, Louise was quick to respond, “Going down to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.” She helped rebuild homes, learning how to put up drywall along the way. But her most important role was being a support to families who had lost everything. “We got to talk to a lot of the people. I think that’s the part I like the best… hearing people’s stories and being there for them.”

One of her favorite organizations is Fuel & More, which she started with a group of Kittery, ME locals. Louise learned that many people were faced with the impossible decision of whether to pay for necessary medication or fuel during the winter. “We realized that if your income was under a certain level you got a lot of help, but if it was just over that level you got no help whatsoever and that’s where people were getting stuck.” Louise loved that they never denied anyone who applied. “I just thought if people had the courage to call, they deserved to get some fuel.”

She also became a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate), retiring just this year. “CASA was very meaningful and I do miss it…I did it for 20 years.”

Presently, Louise volunteers at GATHER, the largest food organization on the Seacoast. She also volunteers at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, where she ushers and works the concessions. “I just like to volunteer. I want to feel that I am doing something! I’d much rather be known for doing things for others.”

When she isn’t volunteering, she loves talking about her family. Louise shared that the beautifully handmade butterfly hanging in her apartment was purchased when she traveled to China with her daughter to bring home her new granddaughter, whom her daughter was adopting. “Yes, I love it, it reminds me of going to get her.”