Donor/Volunteer Profiles: Doris Hunker & Nancy Schlegel
Community members who donate or volunteer are key to our success. Meet two women who are committed to doing both.
The first time Greenbrae residents Doris Hunker and Nancy Schlegel visited Marin Community Clinics – at the former trailer site on Marin General Hospital’s campus – they knew they wanted to get involved. “It was just fantastic,” reports Nancy. “We were so impressed with the diversity of the patients and the way the staff dealt with everyone.”
That visit sparked a commitment that continues to this day. They made an initial donation, but didn’t stop there.
Promoting child literacy
Doris and Nancy, partners for 52 years, are both retired teachers. Doris (age 88) taught elementary school over 40 years; Nancy (age 82) taught elementary and middle school for 24 years.
So, it was only natural that when Clinics volunteer Judie Shaw (“The Book Nook Lady”) met them, she knew they would be perfect to help with the Book Nook, a program for children at our San Rafael and Novato clinics. Doris and Nancy didn’t have to be convinced about the importance of reading at an early age, and jumped right in.
For the past five years, they have been collecting and organizing donated children’s books, and taking them to the San Rafael clinic for the children. Initially, it was a struggle getting donations, so Doris and Nancy actually bought used books to contribute. When they started reaching out to schools and librarians, things really took off. (They report that the Friends of the San Rafael Library has been their “saving grace.”) Today, they are at the San Rafael clinic once every two weeks. “There is always a need for books,” explains Doris, “especially for the pre-K through 3rd graders.”
Solstice supporters and Legacy Circle members
When Doris and Nancy became involved with the Book Nook, it further opened their eyes to the Clinics’ work, and they became even more active. For the past five years, they have joined our roster of Summer Solstice event sponsors. Every year, they bring friends to introduce them to the Clinics.
When the Legacy Circle was formed, Doris and Nancy were among the first to participate. Doris has allocated a percentage of her trust to the Clinics and Nancy a set amount – both unrestricted and “for whatever the Clinics needs.”
“I know that what we are doing is helping someone,” says Doris. “It gives us a sense of satisfaction, knowing that people who are under- or uninsured and have health problems can get help in a safe place,” concludes Nancy.
Doris and Nancy continue to help spread the word about the Clinics – sharing newsletters with fellow residents of The Tamalpais and inviting Clinics leaders to speak at community groups.
What a team!
To learn about the Marin Community Clinics’ Legacy Circle email:
gifts@marinclinics.org or call 415-526-8527
