With an average of over 250 people in attendance at St. Andrew’s Clinic each month, one can imagine that check-in lines can get pretty long and boring, especially for little children.

But the St. Andrew’s volunteers have all of their bases covered.

As their parents wait in line, the children of St. Andrew’s flock to the brightly colored tables, with building blocks and picture books stacked high, where volunteers wait to provide them with a little fun.

Joyce and Doug McQuiggin have been volunteering at St. Andrew’s Children's Clinic every month for six years and say they enjoy being able to connect with the children.

“It’s rewarding to do anything here at the clinic,” said Doug McQuiggin, adding one more block to the creation he shared with a little boy. “These kids are just amazing.”

With an American accent, Doug asks twelve-year-old Evelyn Solomon how she’s been since he saw her last.

“Bien, amigo,” says Evelyn with an enormous smile. “Somos amigos (We are friends)."

Doug and Joyce feel proud to have developed relationships with the children and their families. “We’ve watched some of these kids grow up,” said Doug.

Linda Pantoia, another volunteer, hands little Evelyn a ball home-made play dough, which she happily accepts. Pantoia has been volunteering at St. Andrew’s for four years and today she has decided to let her play dough make a comeback.

“I have been making play dough for these kids since I started here, but haven’t been bringing it these last few months,” Pantoia said. “They’ve been asking for it, so I made some for today.”

Pantoia rolls up another ball of dough and hands it to a little boy next to Eveyln and responds “de nada” to his “gracias.”

“These kids are so appreciative of us,” Pantoia smiles. “But they don’t realize that they are helping us too.”


Watch the slideshow below to see the volunteers and children at the St. Andrew's game table.




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