Our Volunteer Spotlight shines on first generation immigrant Shwu-Woei Margaret Tsay, who has been a resident of Los Angeles County for 23 years. Describing herself as one who “wears different kinds of hats,” she is a mother to three wonderful children, a school nurse for the Los Angeles Unified School District, and a realtor specializing in short sales and foreclosures. With such a busy life, she joined MRC Los Angeles because she believes “the value of volunteers is the best return to our community. I love my community. I just make time…if it [can fit] in my busy schedule.”

Ms. Tsay enjoys being a member of this unit because “the value of volunteers is greatly appreciated by MRC Los Angeles.” She has been involved in many events, such as a clinical volunteer at a number of H1N1 PODs and as a participant in several public health and emergency preparedness trainings.

When asked what her most memorable event was, Ms. Tsay mentioned the Public Health Emergency Volunteer Appreciation Event/Luncheon (held on January 30 at Hotel Palomar and February 6 at Descanso Gardens). Ms. Tsay’s 13-year old daughter joined her at this event and later told her mother that she now “had a better understanding [of] what kind of volunteer work [she] was doing.” Ms. Tsay summarizes it well by concluding, “We all need support from our family and friends.”

Perhaps this last comment best sums up this spotlight. MRC Los Angeles is able to meet its mission and vision goals and continue to grow and thrive because it benefits from the high level of commitment and dedication its volunteer members – like Margaret Tsay – willingly give time and time again.