Volunteers are the heart of Easterseals NH, and Martin, a dedicated contributor to their Early Childhood Centers of Excellence (ECCE), exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have. Here is his story, as it was shared with us:

Martin, a long-time Easterseals NH volunteer, has made a lasting impact through his dedicated service at one of our Manchester, NH, Early Childhood Centers of Excellence (ECCE). He became involved with the ECCE through United Way Day of Caring when he and his coworkers at Texas Instruments read to the children there in 2018.

“I had all sorts of fun, so I just kept going,” Martin explained.

Now known affectionately as “Mr. Martin” to the kids, he has become one of Easterseals NH’s most frequent volunteers. He tallied 165 volunteer hours in 2023, earning the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and logged over 260 hours in 2024.

Martin assists teachers with prep, cleanup, and activities like reading, games, and arts and crafts. However, he noted that the children particularly enjoy one special activity. “Once or twice a year, I’ll bring my guitar in,” Martin said. “I let the kids play the guitar—or half of the guitar if you will; they’ll strum it, and I’ll play the chords.”

Martin also contributes to the ECCE by donating classroom supplies and raising money through his employer, Texas Instruments, which makes annual contributions based on his volunteer hours.

“They allow me a flexible enough schedule that I can manage to volunteer a few times a week, and they also match my hours with so much per hour,” Martin explained.

Community support is essential to the ECCE’s mission of elevating children of all abilities, and Martin’s story is a testament to the difference one can make in the lives of young learners. He encourages others to experience the joy volunteering has brought him.

Visit eastersealsnh.org/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities.