We love hearing from our volunteers. Whether you tell us about a special project you participated in, your reason for volunteering, or how you got involved with us, we want to hear from you. Send us an email at blog@newyorkcares.org, and you can see your story on the blog. Today, one of our volunteers wanted to share how she celebrated her birthday by giving back.

Some folks celebrate by throwing parties, being with family, or having special meals on their birthday. For my 53rd birthday, I celebrated by volunteering at Beauty Spa with Jewish Home Lifecare.

While I have no experience in the area of manicuring, I felt I could still give back. I’ve been volunteering with New York Cares since November 2011, and I personally wanted to celebrate my birthday by giving back, so that’s just what I did. I learned how to give a manicure, was surrounded by loving people who sang Happy Birthday to me, not once, but twice, and I had a terrific time. It was absolutely perfect in every way, and I had so many loving seniors and other New York Cares volunteers to share my birthday with.

Even during a year when I vowed to celebrate my birthday in a new way, I must admit that some things never change. I did indeed stop at Haagen Daz on the way home for some Pralines and Cream. It was a great way to end my special birthday celebration.

By Rachel Watstein