We would like to highlight six of our volunteers that add to the beauty of Cranaleith by the contributions they make.
Maggie McDermott
First off, longtime volunteer Maggie McDermott graces us with her presence and gracious manner in welcoming our guests as a greeter. She is the first face many people see when they arrive at Cranaleith for a program or hosted group, and she does a wonderful job of making people feel at home. In addition to her amiable greeting skills, she also donates hand crafted jewelry and hand sewn tote bags which are all one of a kind.
Her specialty is items with a “bee theme” in keeping with our specialty “Sweet Mercy Honey”! Maggie is also part of our “Special Project Team” who arrive on a monthly basis to complete whatever tasks need doing. Lately, it’s been activities related to our upcoming Gala on May 16 celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Cranaleith. We are always grateful to our volunteers who help out in so many ways, and we thank Maggie for all of the things she does to make Cranaleith shine.
Evelina McGuigan
Another volunteer whose kindness and generosity we greatly appreciate is Evelina McGuigan. Evelina first became aware of Cranaleith more than twenty years ago when she attended a spiritual program here. She more recently became reacquainted with Cranaleith again through her work with the Grey Nuns. Evelina is back as a volunteer participating in our “Special Projects Group”. She was last here on Friday, March 8 helping to wrap gifts for our Gala guests. It was fitting the group met on International Women’s Day, a day we set aside to recognize and celebrate women’s achievement and empowerment. Like Maggie, she is a generous donor of many lovely hand-crafted items including assorted eye-catching jewelry, colorful knitted scarves, and beautiful baby blankets. Evelina told me both her mother and grandmother were excellent seamstresses and crafters.
We are so glad that she has continued this tradition, and we are truly grateful for her many donations that grace the shelves of our Gift Shop, in addition to the gift of her time.
The Three Amigos
Lou Paul, Mike Ciccotti, and Fred Trainer met while working at the De La Salle Vocational Treatment School in Bensalem, a day treatment program for court adjudicated delinquent boys from the Christian Brother’s St. Gabriel Hall System. Lou taught auto mechanics while Fred was a counselor. Mike who taught electrical and rough carpentry skills in his shop. Sadly, De La Salle closed in 2022…a great loss for them but this turn of events proved to have a wonderful consequence for Cranaleith. Facing this unexpected retirement, these 3 men turned their sites towards volunteering at Cranaleith.
Lou, Mike, and Fred have been volunteering now for roughly the last 2 years here at Cranaleith. Their focus has ranged from fixing everything from chain saws to the Skag and other lawn mowers to lighting fixtures, cleaning out storm drains, mowing the grass, painting, making replacement parts for the bee hives, repairing appliances, and much more. All the repairs on the ground equipment are done in-house now, which equals a tremendous saving. You name it, these guys will take it on. We are so grateful to them that they give so freely of their time and talents to Cranaleith each week and always with a smile!
Jim LaBombard
Jim LaBombard is a man of many talents and Cranaleith has been the on the receiving end of his expertise and generosity. When we were planning for the Harvest Festival, Jim was able to take the posters and banners from the previous year and “doctor” them up, saving us the expense of purchasing new ones. At the festival, he brought his popcorn machine and donated all the proceeds. He also has imprinted carry-all bags with the Cranaleith Logo and info, which we sell in our Gift Shop. Jim’s niece is even involved now, donating her earring creations! Thank you, Jim, for your kindness and commitment to Cranaleith.
