Martha Mersereau

When/how/why did you get involved with Wonder Connection? 

Martha relocated to NC 10 years ago from Atlanta. She enjoys giving back and was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would provide purpose, a sense of community and make a difference. She found all that in Wonder Connection. 

It’s Magic Time!    

A retired science teacher, Martha continues to volunteer to make that human connection.   Martha had a mentor when she taught who had a sign hanging above his class door, “It’s magic time!” Every time Martha volunteers with Wonder Connection and goes into a child’s room, she thinks to herself, “It’s magic time!”  “A child giggling as you spend time with them or a teenager thanking you for your time and patience is the best indication that there has been some “magic”.

What is your favorite volunteer activity?  

Making a volcano.  A child can get engrossed in the activity and next thing you know it’s 1.5 hours later. 

What story from volunteering is memorable?  

Martha used the analogy of a flower opening in slow motion when telling me about a young boy who wouldn’t speak.  Hospital School staff had encouraged her to pay a visit and try to engage this boy in an activity. She took some ingredients for slime, along with her amazing personality and calming presence, to this boy’s room.  As she spent time making slime with him, he slowly began to talk and ended up chatting happily. 

 What do you hope Wonder Connection will achieve in the future? 

More volunteers so we are able to serve more kids.  Also expanded activities to choose from and more space at the hospital for set-up.  

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Andrew and Katie are wonderful.  Their support for the volunteers is true leadership. They give, think, create and always express gratitude and appreciation even on the days when you are not sure that “magic” happened.   They are appreciated in all that they do.