Martha Gentry is a AmeriCorps Senior Foster Grandparent volunteer for the Butler County Foster Grandparent Program, where she will complete four years of service in November of 2020. She is a Grandparent Volunteer at an elementary school in Andover, Kansas.
Martha is an empathetic volunteer who goes above and beyond what is expected of her. From showing her mentees how to read and count, and helping them study for tests, to coming into the school to help her teacher set up class before the kids come in. Martha helps with the music program and goes to Physical Education class with the kids to help, if needed.
During Thanksgiving, she helps cook a Thanksgiving breakfast for the kids with pumpkin pancakes and other goodies. During lunch, she helps the kids sit down and get settled in and also helps set up for classroom holiday parties.
The students she serves care as much for Martha as she does for them. Martha had a birthday during the COVID-19 lockdown when volunteers were not able to serve or be with students. This didn’t stop the students from sending her birthday cards on the week of her birthday. She received a card from every student in her class.
We reached out to her teacher, and this is what she says about Martha:
“Martha has always been willing to jump in to help with anything from messy art projects to working with students one-on-one on writing their names. It warms my heart to see how much she cares for the students and how much they care about her. Even though she's on a fixed income, she always spoils the class at Christmas and Valentine's Day with special gifts and individual cards. She is so touched by the students that she keeps the artwork that they give her at home in a scrapbook of their masterpieces. Martha is quick to support any student who might be having a bad day with a hug and some encouraging words.
Martha is also the Executive Chair on the FGP/RSVP Advisory Council and attends all In-Service orientations, never missing an event. As a volunteer, she is an “All Star “