LYNN — Marrit Hastings is in Girls Inc. of Lynn’s Volunteer Spotlight for the new year although she would much prefer to be in the shadows.
“I don’t think it’s anything special,” she said. “It’s an honor though.”
Hastings first became aware of Girls Inc. through the Nahant Women’s Club and from the Men’s Club Breakfast at the Nahant Village Church, where former director Pat Driscoll spoke often. And her motivation for volunteering was simple: “I wanted to do something with kids. I don’t have kids of my own, but I do have step-grandchildren who keep me hopping in the summer,” she said.
What has kept her coming back for two years is the satisfaction, it’s immediate and triggered by things as simple as seeing the kids smile and wave when she comes in, she said.
Born in Holland, Hastings came to the United States at the age of 18 and she’s worked on issues related to children throughout her career. She worked for the National Committee for Children and Youth, and was the Delegate Coordinator for the 1970 White House Conference on Children. She also ran multiple Head Start evaluations. Now, as a volunteer at Girls Inc. of Lynn, she assists in the literacy program for School Age Child Care.
“Linda Hall runs a great program,” she said.
Hall, the Literacy Coordinator, noted that the fact that English is not Hastings’ first language, she immediately understands the needs of Girls Inc.’s bilingual members. Beyond her life experience Hall said she also brings a joie de vivre to her time with the girls.
“Marrit has that ‘joy piece’ very much in place and is so committed to making things fun,” Hall said. “Literacy starts with joy. It starts with the joy of reading which allows children to discover that the English language is wonderful. One the ‘joy piece’ is in place, the other parts of learning how to read come more easily.”
Hastings spends an hour and a half twice a week assisting with groups doing literacy activities and games. She also spends time reading one-on-one with children.
“Boy, for a couple of hours a week, it can really help,” she said.
She said she and Hall share a similar philosophy, that learning to read not only opens the door to education but not learning to read significantly prohibits learning. Hastings said children can pick up some things from computers and other avenues but if you instill a love for reading and an enthusiasm for books it can take them anywhere.
Hall said Hastings’ work as a literacy volunteer is an important part of the overall project which is designed to create a strong literacy framework for all the girls, grades K-3, at Girls Incorporated of Lynn.
The goal is to strengthen their reading skills in preparation for 4th grade when children transition from “learning-to-read to reading-to-learn,” Hall said.
“The time Hastings gives with personalized attention is paving a path for a strong, bright and bold future for the girls,” she added, weaving in the organization’s motto.
In addition to volunteering at Girls Incorporated of Lynn, Hastings is also active at the Nahant Village Church, where she directs two hand-bell choirs, one with children. She lives in Nahant with her husband Calvin Hastings, who runs the Men’s Breakfasts.
Hastings said volunteering at Girls Inc. is easy because, overall, it’s a great organization.
“It’s a wonderful program not just for younger kids,” she said. “They promote no smoking, no drugs, they (present) a pride in Lynn.
“I wish we could encourage more people to (volunteer),” she continued. “I do it twice a week for an hour and a half, and the impact you have is really tremendous.”
Anyone who would like to follow in Hastings’ footsteps and volunteer at Girls Inc. should contact Kim Luck at 781-592-9744 ext. 243.
Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected].
