Al Yob, of Niles, volunteers for several organizations, including Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, St. Mary’s Christian Service Center, United Way and the Hunter Ice Festival.

What do you do for Fernwood?

I volunteer in the train garden. They have several trains that run and the kids like to go see them. They need someone there to make sure the kids aren’t touching the trains and that they don’t get off the track. I fill in for volunteers that can’t make it too. Normally it can be anywhere between two to three days a week, for about three hours a shift. It is fun. I enjoy being outside and I enjoy seeing the kids of all ages.

What do you do at the Christian Service Center?

I volunteer at the food bank there and have been doing that for about four or five years. Also, at St. Mary’s they have a prayer garden. It is an outdoor garden with statues that is there for people that want to go and meditate. I started taking care of that, cutting the grass, taking care of the gardens and keeping it looking nice.

Why do you choose to volunteer?

I think it is important because I am a retired person and I need something to do. I think if you are retired and in good health volunteering is a great thing to do. It gives you something to do rather than staying home and watching TV. It is a good way to help other people.

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

I am involved in the United Way in the fall when you rake leaves for the senior day of action. I am a greeter at the Hunter Ice Festival.