Donna Jacobs, The Volunteer That Almost Wasn't

Donna Jacobs found us through a lucky mistake.  Lucky for us.  

Donna woke one morning setting out to connect with Fletcher Allen as a volunteer.  With a background in caregiving, hospital work seemed like a natural fit. However, when she grabbed the paper with the medical center's number, she dialed Channel 17 by mistake. Coincidentally, volunteer coordinator Rob Reiber answered her call. Donna says,

"In calling back I thought it was odd, maybe it was just an associate or something (of the person she had spoken with at Fletcher Allen previously), he said 'I can meet with you today' and he gave me directions.  I got to the studio, came through the door and thought, 'This is definitely not where I wanted to be.' before I could tell him that, Rob had a big ole smile on his face and said 'Welcome to Channel 17.' He just kept talking and talking showing me how to run the cameras.  It was a Wednesday and he said, 'You want to start on Friday?'  My response was, 'Uh Sure.' So I ended up there on Friday absolutely loving it and here I am a year and a half later "

She has really grown into her volunteer role. She has progressed from behind the scenes camera operator and sitting in the director's chair to guest host for programs by HomeShare VT, the Chittenden Humane Society, VT 211 and other local nonprofits.   

When asked what she likes the best, hosting or behind the scenes, Donna think a bit, cracks a laugh and says "I like it all, I really do. I don't know where it's going to take me but, I want to do it all and learn to be able to do it all, it makes me a more versatile person."

A program she feels really strongly about?  "All of Sandy Baird's shows, I just feel so very educated by what she has brought to the table and I have a deep respect for her."

When Donna is not volunteering she writes, exercises, spends time with friends, runs a twelve-step program and works with the homeless.  "I keep pretty busy" She likes to spend time at Sweetwaters because "it is just a great place" and "they have really good food there and they have a gluten free menu!"