This week is #VolunteerAppreciationWeek! Every day this week, we are going to highlight some amazing volunteers and how they make Periwinkle a better place!

Today’s Volunteer Spotlight is on: Margarita Longoria! Margarita became involved with Periwinkle when her daughter attended Camp Periwinkle in the summer of 2002. She now serves on the Periwinkle Board of Directors, is a camp Arts and Crafts volunteer and is Long Term Survivor (LTS) Chair, helping to facilitate programs for our young adult survivors. Margarita and her family do so much for Periwinkle, and we truly appreciate their dedication!

Why does Margarita volunteer with Periwinkle? “I love volunteering for  The Periwinkle Foundation because I have seen the healing and  joy it brings to campers, first  hand. In the summer of 2001, my daughter Meagan almost lost  her life to HLH-a rare blood disorder now considered to be a form of cancer. As a result, Meagan attended camp in the summer of 2002 and it was a positive  life changing experience. Camp Periwinkle allowed Meagan to bond with other children who had suffered similar  hardships. As an LTS chair, I have been honored and humbled to be a part of the Periwinkle  family. As the mother of a long term survivor I have a special bond to the LTS program. I feel like I receive much more out of volunteering,  than I give. My daughter Brett Ashley and I, Iike  refer to it as “selfish selflessness.” – Margarita

Why does our Staff Love LTS Volunteers? “Volunteer week is such a great way to express all our gratitude towards those who help make Periwinkle possible. I truly enjoy working with our Survivor volunteers, because of the survivors we have programming; survivors are where it all began!” – Jessica, Office Manager