Helping Hands: Jim Hollander

Name: Jim Hollander, Culver City resident

Volunteer Affiliation: The Wonder of Reading

How long have you been a volunteer? I've been a volunteer  since the beginning of the year. But I also was a reader for a semester several years ago. 

I always thought it was a satisfying way to give back to the community. I found it enormously rewarding. So, I was glad to be back.

What needs does your chosen organization fill? I have traveled to Haiti a couple of times with a group of community-service oriented people who are sponsoring several orphanages in Port au Prince. I love what they are doing, as they are making a huge difference in the lives of these kids. As horrible as the situation is down there, the children never fail to inspire me.

What is the most rewarding part of being a volunteer? I think being invited in to a child's inner world is about as satisfying as it gets. Making that connection requires a lot of trust. And then, seeing your kid open up to story lines and nuances of character is pure pleasure. 

What is the city's most important issue?  The city needs to improve the quality of its schools. It amazes me how everyone buys the notion that the country must "invest in its infrastructure," and by that they mean roads, bridges and underground sewers, but not schools. We, the city, parents, and everyone need to find common ground in the effort to make our schools the best they can be.

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