Host Spotlight: The Zollinhofer Family
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
We are Mark and Lois and although we have two sons who are married and have given us 4 grandchildren, Mark and I are happily retired living in our home with Baxter, our 9-year-old Labra-doodle. We have lived in Charlottesville for 29 years. In retirement, Mark has continued to hone his woodworking skills and has made some beautiful pieces of furniture. He is also an active member of Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards. I love to cook, knit, play the piano and give piano lessons. We both enjoy reading and playing games. We are both very committed to our faith community at Hope Presbyterian, a church plant in Crozet, VA.
How did you become involved with LilyPads Housing?
I heard about LilyPads Housing when I was looking for a volunteer opportunity to help house families who
have children with acute illness.
Why did you become a host?
I worked as a substitute teacher at UVA Children's Hospital Education Program in 2014-15. During that time, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for parents whose children had to have extended stays in the hospital. They stayed night after night in the hospital with their children, had the expense of staying in a hotel or had to leave their child while they went some distance back home. Now that our own children are grown we have extra room in our home that could help with this need. We have housed a variety of guests for various lengths of time over the past years and would love to support those needing hospitality while at UVA Children’s Hospital.
Is there anything else that you would like your guests to know?
Our home is a warm, friendly environment. Mark and I will interact with you as much as you desire or leave you alone as much as you need. We are not here to intrude but provide a place to take a break during a difficult time for your family.