Thanks to volunteers like Jessica, the city is able to keep the Harriet Alexander Nature Center open for community members to enjoy year-round.
In this edition, we're featuring Roseville resident Jessica Raygor. Jessica grew up in Roseville and graduated from Roseville Area High School. Like many others in our community, Jessica moved out-of-state, but later returned to Roseville, buying a house located not too far from the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC), where she volunteers. She currently lives with her partner, Chris, who is originally from Louisiana.
When did you start volunteering?
My first volunteer experience started when I was a kid and stemmed from my love for dogs. I’d make cookies and would sell them to raise money for the Humane Society. I sold so many cookies that my mom told me that I could keep some of the money, but I wanted it all to go to the dogs.
I’ve been informally volunteering to help my Roseville neighbors since I moved back, approximately six years ago. I started visiting and cooking for some of my lonelier neighbors, and this is something that I still do regularly. One day, I looked on the City of Roseville's website for other volunteer opportunities and found a bunch of ways that I could help my community.
What is your favorite volunteer activity at the City of Roseville?
I love helping out at the nature center. Seeing the kids light up when they walk in the door and see the animals and indoor beehive is my favorite. I have mobility issues, but I love giving back to Roseville. Volunteering at HANC has been a great experience for me.
“Jessica’s passion for community and for Roseville shows in her volunteer work,” says Roseville Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Boggs. “Her positivity and wonderful personality make her a great fit for meeting guests at HANC.”
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