Son follows mother’s example of compassion

By Pat Kumpan

For Lorraine and James Wall, the saying “like mother, like son” speaks volumes about how the duo has similar traits when it comes to looking for ways to help others.

LORRAINE AND JAMES WALL

At 84, Lorraine, a resident of Los Arcos, an affordable housing community for seniors in Poway, started crocheting caps for babies and kids a few years ago with the nonprofit “Helping Hands.”

While she no longer makes caps, she has plenty of fond memories knowing the finished items went to patients at Rady Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, usually via her son’s efforts with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

James, known as “JR” to his friends, is a former Rancho Bernardo resident who moved to Fallbrook after the 2007 Witch Creek fire destroyed his home.

He got involved with Make-A-Wish 21 years ago as a wish-granter, and continues to find ways to brighten a child’s life.

“Bringing the caps to kids made my mom happy to provide some joy for those youngsters,” JR said. “I was just as happy knowing those kids would appreciate the gift.”

He works at Military Medical Supplies in Fallbrook, a business run by his nephew, Kelsey Wall.

The company supplies pediatric nebulizers, wheelchairs, crutches, splints, braces and other equipment to many home-bound patients, including the military.

Recently, his mom read about a Neighborhood Healthcare clinic coming to Poway, which will provide medical care to the underinsured and those without coverage when it opens its doors in two to three years.

She suggested her son call officials at one of the Neighborhood Healthcare clinics in nearby Escondido to see if they could use surplus equipment from the Wall’s supply business.

JR said that those who run his family’s Anaheim warehouse stock a certain shelf with surplus items.

“In the spirit of giving, we set aside orthopedic equipment,” he added. “My first contact with nonprofits in need of such items was Wounded Warriors.”

Wall said his family helps that organization and those associated with the Neighborhood Healthcare clinic in Escondido.

Meanwhile, trying to remain civic-minded, Lorraine, who enjoys playing bingo at the Poway Senior Center, is the designated driver, always ready to transport fellow Los Arcos residents to a game of bingo.

Lorraine said her other son, Jerry, often volunteers at local hospices, so the family trait of community service continues to thrive.

Her tip to local families is to make rules for kids to follow, and despite the hustle-bustle in today’s society, join each other at the dinner table for a family meal.

“Talk about your day — listen to each other,” she said. “It brings families together.”

Do you know someone who should be featured here? Contact editor Steve Dreyer at 858-218-7207 or email him at editor@pomeradonews.com.

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Posted by patkumpan on Aug 24 2011. Filed under Neighbor Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry