JFS BlogMeet Morris, Our December Volunteer of the Month
December 21, 2018
Volunteer of the Month Morris Streater shares a laugh with one of his favorite riders at our quarterly meetup for On the Go Rides & Smiles volunteers.
Since signing on as a volunteer Rides & Smiles driver in 2010, Morris Streater has dedicated thousands of hours to helping On the Go riders get to their appointments. For older San Diegans who don’t drive anymore, he offers a link to the people and places they love most. We are thrilled to honor him as our December Volunteer of the Month. Here’s a little more about him…
JFS: Tell us about yourself, Morris!
Morris: I was born in Chesterfield, South Carolina and attended Wallace High School in Bennettsville, S.C. During high school, I lived with my maternal grandmother, as she lived alone. She was a devout Christian and instilled in me many of my prevalent values. After I graduated high school, I joined the US Navy where I served 22 years even participating in the Gulf War “Desert Shield and Desert Storm”. After my service, I received a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphasis in Real Estate.
JFS: What’s been your volunteer experience with JFS?
Morris: In 2010, I decided I wanted to volunteer, and I joined On the Go Rides and Smiles. Part of my inspiration for joining this program was that my late father was disabled and there were many kind people who volunteered their time to help him. I felt a need to give back. Hence, I am very humbled and honored to be a part of this great program. During my eight years with Rides & Smiles I have met many wonderful people – from Holocaust Survivors to highly successful business entrepreneurs – and been impacted by their stories. It is wonderful to have this opportunity to give back. Although I’m helping others, I sincerely feel that I get back for more than I give. To see 80 and 90-year-olds with such vigor and enthusiasm – they’re just so inspiring!”
