Volunteer Spotlight: Anne Goldberg, NYC

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are spotlighting some of our most dedicated volunteers. Watch our blog and social media pages this week to meet just a few of the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly give their time to our mission each year.

How long have you been volunteering with Pajama Program?

Going on six years now. I started January 11th, 2018. I retired at the end of October that year and said to myself, “Anne, you’ve got to get yourself something. Don’t retire until you have something.” I had a friend that said to me, “Anne, you love kids, look at what I got!” She sends over this thing for Pajama Program and I said, “Oh my gosh, that’s me.”

So, I came out here, met with everyone, and I filled out all the forms. And I loved it, I absolutely love it. When volunteering, you’re dealing with kids that really appreciate you. Nothing makes me happier than this.

“It gives me a reason to get up in the morning.”

Anne Goldberg
Pajama Program Volunteer Since 2018

What is your favorite part about volunteering? 

Seeing [the children’s] reaction to things, reading stories. I love watching it click.

To watch their excitement build, it’s so heartwarming. You can see smiles on their faces. I told this girl, “You’ll get home, put your pajamas on, read your book, and you’ll think about what we’ve done today. Tonight, you’ll think about me, and I’ll think about you.”

Why do you volunteer with Pajama Program? 

Because it gives me a reason to wake up in the morning and know that I’m going to make people happy, that I’m going to make kids happy.


This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

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