Esmeralda Raya

Age: 18.

Family: Parents, Constance and Miguel Raya; brother, Antonio.

Residence: Olivehurst.

Occupation: Student at Lindhurst High School.

How long have you lived in the Yuba-Sutter area? Born here.

Hobbies, interests: Singing and dancing, playing soccer.

For what groups do you volunteer? On campus, I'm in my second year with MECHA. It's an organization that promotes cultural awareness, higher education and community service.

Through it we get in contact with others for community projects, (such as) helping the Western Farm Workers Association. The association does a lot for migrant workers including giving food and toys. Even putting a little bit of effort in that organization makes you feel you're helping the people they help out.

I was in leadership at school in my sophomore and junior years. At first it was for the credits, then I enjoyed helping people. I helped at games as a ticket taker. If someone needs help, they can go to leadership and ask for volunteers.

I helped at the Notre Dame School Festival with the kids games.

I attend St. Joseph's Church and help there. My mom used to belong to the church's Grupo Electores and we do the dinner for the needy in November.

As a kid, I did what my parents did.

How do you fit volunteering into your schedule? It doesn't come all at once; it's all spread out.

Words of advice: There are a lot of people who need help. Even if it's just to supervise, or take care of little kids while the parents do something, it helps. People just ask for a little bit of your time.

Volunteering isn't something you have to dedicate yourself to. It's just a little time. By volunteering, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you helped someone. I do whatever I can to give a little of my time .

Quote: "It's nice to have the entire family volunteer. It teachers kids to help out your community."

Volunteer of the Week runs Tuesdays. To submit the name of a volunteer to be featured, contact Community Editor Leticia Gutierrez at 749-6552.