LISA GILMER
About the volunteer: Ms. Gilmer stopped working outside the home when her daughter Lauren, now 3, was born. She founded the Glen Burnie Chapter of the MOMS Club.
She has lived in Glen Burnie for almost five years and is a graduate of Towson State University with a major in mass communications.
She also is active as vice president of the Friends of Lake Waterford Park and helps the county Sheriff's Department with its child fingerprinting program.
About the organization: The MOMS Club meets the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at North County Library. Meetings include discussion groups and informative programs, often with guest speakers. The December meeting will discuss fire safety.
Between meetings, the club plans activities, such as weekly visits to local parks, play groups at members' homes, and exercise groups as well as a monthly MOMS night out.
Volunteer's comments: "It's [the MOMS Club] been growing by leaps and bounds. The last meeting we had over 60 people. We're doing really, really well. We've got a father, we've got two grandmothers and a nanny.
"Basically, whoever is the primary caregiver and needs the support can come. Anybody that needs the support is more than welcome. We're really here to try and help.
"My daughter was the reason I decided to stay at home. And when I first decided to start the MOMS Club I thought I was doing it for her. All the mothers that join think they're doing it for their kids, at first, and then they realize that they are the ones who look forward to the play groups, because they have others to talk to and they get a little bit of a break while their kids are busy playing.
"It's real nice to be able to compare notes and trade tips back and forth.
"We did a clothing drive for Sarah's House [homeless shelter] over the summer for back-to-school clothes. That was very successful and we're going to do a toy drive for Christmas.
"I think once people find out you're willing to volunteer, everybody begins asking for your time. That's fine, though. I feel like I'm doing something useful, helping people."
Information: 787-8716.
"Volunteer Spotlight" is compiled by Kevin Harrison. To recommend someone, call the Anne Arundel Bureau, 315-8911, any time or send information by fax to 315-8916 or mail it to: The Sun for Anne Arundel, 8131 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena 21122.