MEND Students Give Back to Volunteer

In a small blue and white house on a quiet Mission Hills street, a group of adult students from an English language program humbly ushered in the holiday season by repaying a debt that was only partly theirs.

The five, who study English in a free program at the Pacoima social services agency MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), volunteered their time and elbow grease Monday to clean the home of a longtime MEND volunteer whose arthritis prevents her from doing the work herself.

Blanca Nolledo, who runs MEND’s Learning Center, came up with the idea recently as a way to help some of the agency’s senior and disabled volunteers during the holidays. Nolledo said that the idea was an immediate hit with students in the English program.

“They were so eager to do it. It appealed to their best instincts and their desire to give back to someone who has helped MEND,” Nolledo said.

“I think it’s wonderful that they are doing this,” said the volunteer, who asked that her name not be used. “I started 25 years ago handing out toys. The next year I came in and wrapped toys.”

Over time, she said, she took on more responsibilities and today, although confined to home much of the time because of her illness, she continues to serve as chairwoman of the agency’s Christmas basket distribution and home visitation committees.

“These volunteers did not expect anything in return for their work,” Nolledo said. “We can’t give them material things, but we can help them out by cleaning their houses.”

“This is a way to say thank you to MEND. I appreciate the English classes and I want to do something to show that,” said Salvador Flores, who cleaned the backyard as the others worked inside.

Laura Rivera, another member of the cleaning crew, agreed.

“It feels good to help, especially when it’s someone who has helped other people for a long time,” she said.