National Volunteer Week 2023 Volunteer Spotlight with Cori Trumbull. Mission Read, Mission Re-Connect, Mission Ready and Mission Reach.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Cori Trumbull

April 19, 2023

Volunteers are a big part of the United Through Reading family. With two Mobile Story Stations, and recording locations worldwide, we need active volunteers to help keep our program running smoothly. We rely on volunteers to be our eyes and ears, our mission crusaders, and support team in the communities we serve. As part of our National Volunteer Week celebrations, we’d like to introduce you to Cori Trumbull. She’s been donating her time to us for a few years and we sat down with her recently to learn more.

1. How long have you been volunteering with UTR?

I began volunteering with United Through Reading in November 2021.

2. What made you decide to start?

An employee of UTR, who was also a friend and neighbor, asked me to help with the Storybook Ball. I fell in love with UTR’s mission and decided to begin more regularly dedicating my time to help spread the word about this wonderful organization.

3. How has UTR helped your family?

Not only has United Through Reading provided my family with the unique experience of being able to still have story time while Dad (my husband) is away/on deployment, but it has also given me a sense of purpose outside the home.

Being a stay at home mom for almost 6 years, time begins to feel muddled and you can easily forget that you’re an individual as well as a parent/spouse. In a professional aspect, UTR has given me a comfortable environment to brush up on my interpersonal skills, and allowed me to connect with so many other military wives facing the same challenges.

Three family members pose next to the United Through Reading Van, A father reads a story to a child, a child reads along to a video of their father reading a book to them.

4. Do you have a favorite or stand out moment from your time working with us?

My favorite moment since becoming a Volunteer with United Through Reading is when I was recently working an event at MCRD. One of the fathers came up and recognized the program. He proudly exclaimed “I remember the recording I made for my daughter being on a VHS tape!”.
I was so happy that he was excited to talk about his experience from so long ago, and that I was able to introduce him to the App that has since been developed. My favorite aspect of that moment was that UTR had a LASTING impact on him and his family. It is so incredibly rewarding to see when an organization’s efforts are not only recognized, but remembered.

5. What was your favorite book to read as a child?

My favorite book as a child was “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans.

6. What is your child’s favorite bedtime story?

Elijah’s favorite bedtime story is “The Sour Grape” by Jory John.

7. Do you have any advice for someone looking to volunteer with UTR?

My advice to anyone who is interested in volunteering with UTR is… don’t be afraid to ask questions and jump right in! Every job that could be asked [of you], whether it’s stickering books, helping with the MSS, or standing in at an event as a representative; in the words of UTR’s CEO, Tim Farrell, “there is no such thing as being ‘just’ a volunteer.” It is more than rewarding, you are opening a door to so many families to stay connected through one of the most challenging times of their lives!

If you’d like to share Cori’s favorite book with your family, Madeline is available now to read and record through our free app. Visit this page to learn all the ways to volunteer with us. You can connect with Cori and her family on Instagram @basic_avocados.

Thank you, Cori, for your commitment to United Through Reading!

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