Meet the Volunteer: LaEatrice McMurray

LaEatrice McMurray (65) has devoted her life to service, so there was no way that entering retirement was going to slow her down.

After 39 years as a public servant in the Law Offices of Carlos J. Martinez, Public Defender, LaEatrice is now “enjoying a new kind of freedom.” She has thrown herself into volunteering for a variety of organizations, including becoming a co-host for Senior Planet’s online classes.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we spoke with LaEatrice about what motivates her to stay connected to her community, both online and in-person, by volunteering seven days a week.

How did you start volunteering with Senior Planet? 

It was the weirdest happenstance. While we were in COVID, one of my good friends was looking for a fitness platform for her mother, and my mother was home too, so I was thinking we need something for them to do to keep them active. We came across Fit Fusion on Senior Planet, and at that time, Cas had just started doing online classes. My mother was very resistant, so I decided, okay, I’m gonna try the class to convince her to start. And I was really surprised at how winded I got trying to do this class! So, while we were on lockdown, during my lunchtime at the office, I started taking this class every day. And when I retired, I continued to take Cas’ class.  

I saw that they were asking for volunteers and needed somebody with tech skills. I figured I had time, I had the skills. Why not, you know? Especially since it would allow others to continue to enjoy the platform without disruptions.  

Want to read more about volunteering? Visit here!

What are some of your favorite parts of being a volunteer? 

For me, volunteering and being active in community service is just a natural thing. I can’t imagine sitting around and not doing anything. I feel that as long as we have a voice and the ability to do so, we should help on some level.  

I’m very intentional about the things that I do. Making sure that not only am I supporting whatever organization I’m participating in, but I’m also providing myself with the things that I need to continue to thrive at this stage. Because this is a whole new way of life for me. I had to get used to this new freedom. You know when you’re working, you’re so used to getting up first thing in the morning and getting on the wheel. Now, I create my own wheel.  

Why should more older adults look into volunteering?  

It’s an easy way to stay engaged and interactive with others. It helps to maintain your skills while also providing continuous learning because the more you engage with others as you volunteer, the more you learn. 

What does “aging with attitude” mean to you? 

It means to continue to pursue your dreams and your desires boldly, intentionally, and with confidence. 

Interested in volunteering with Senior Planet? There are a wide variety of ways to get involved. Click here to learn more! 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.