For more than 10 years, the Arthritis Foundation has depended on East Dallas resident Maurice Wood.
With a willing and cheerful attitude, Wood has been a jack-of-all-trades volunteer. Over the years, he has attended health fairs, delivered pamphlets to doctors’ offices, entered data into the computer and repaired broken furniture. Once he even cleaned out the office attic.
"If they call and ask me to do something, I’m always happy to do it," says Wood.
The Foundation’s mission is to support research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. Wood plays an important role in helping the North Texas chapter achieve that mission. Staff members say his volunteer efforts at health fairs alone are above and beyond those of a typical volunteer. He greets the public, provides information about arthritis and takes the time to answer any questions people may have.
Wood has arthritis, so he can empathize with those who suffer from this disease, which affects nearly 43 million Americans. The Arthritis Foundation depends on volunteers like him to help with many of its programs. Volunteers are needed to coordinate other volunteers to staff community health fairs, attend health fairs, lead patient support groups and make public presentations about arthritis.
The agency also hosts several special events throughout the year including a golf tournament, tennis tournament and mini grand prix. Volunteers are needed both to plan and work the day of the events.
To find out how you can volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation or one of 1100 other nonprofit agencies, call the Volunteer Center of Dallas County at 214-826-6767 or visit our web site at www.non-profits.org.
