"When you do volunteer work, you get more than you give", said Shirley Bloom, a 3-year volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. On Friday mornings she calls to thank the volunteers who have given time during the week on the construction worksite. "They are surprised to be thanked and often thank me for thanking them."

Bloom moved to Colorado ("I love Colorado") from Michigan 5 years ago. Her daughter was volunteering to provide meals to Habitat construction volunteers and thought Bloom, who had worked in Customer Service and for Hostelling International, would be perfect on the telephone.

Bloom loves the people who work in the office with her. When the homeowners come in to pay their mortgages, she gets to enjoy how excited they are to have their own homes. "When you see a house built by volunteers, it is amazing", said Bloom.

When not volunteering for Habitat, Bloom enjoys her time at the Longmont Senior Center and has made friends with women who have moved here from all over the country. She enjoys playing cards, having lunches, going to movies and concerts, and swimming. "If you sit down and don't get up you're in big trouble", said Bloom.

For information about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.