Jim Lambert is an exceptional person. His warm spirit and unique sense of humor are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. That's why it's no surprise he's making a difference as a volunteer with the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS).
After retiring five years ago from the commercial real estate business in Chicago's Northern suburbs, Lambert and his wife moved to Carbondale to be closer to his son and warm weather. After settling down, Lambert wanted to get involved with community service work and thought SIRIS would be a great place to volunteer. "I've always been interested in reading services for the blind. I think [they're] wonderful," he said.
Lambert admits he grew up in a povertystricken area in Teague, TX where people often helped him. Now that he's able to give back, he wants to do the same for those in need.
Another contributing factor in Lambert's service work is his cousin who was paralyzed by polio. "He spent his life either in a wheelchair or in crutches," said Lambert, "but was a very successful man [because he didn't let his disability hinder his outlook on life]." Lambert saw the struggles his cousin had and vowed to never forget those with disabilities. "Disabilities don't have to hold you back, but you do need help, occasionally."
Lambert's been a SIRIS volunteer since May 2011. He really enjoys his role as a SIRIS reader, reading grocery ads for Kroger, Schnucks, Aldi, and the Carbondale Farmer's Market. He jokingly confessed that he loves to read these, and sometimes it even makes him a little hungry.
This year, Lambert played a major role in organizing the SIRIS Classic Vinyl Sale. He helped sort records and electronics, recruited volunteers, and worked at the event. He said he was surprised by people's willingness to contribute, and said there was never a dull moment at the sale, with patrons continuing to come in almost minutes before closing.
Lambert's other charitable contributions include volunteering at the Church Women United Sale to Fight World Hunger at the Newman Catholic Student Center where he helps with food pick-up and the sale.
When Lambert isn't giving back to his community, you can find him writing plays and poetry. He also directs plays at the Varsity Theater. The last play he directed was Dead Man's Cell Phone, a dark comedy about a dead man in a diner who's phone won't stop ringing, driving the waitress mad. Lambert's also an actor, performing in several student films on campus. His most recent role was in SIU student Jenna Tromburg's Lactose Intolerance last spring where he played the grouchy grandfather. "Every time [students] need a grumpy old man, they call me," he said with a smile.
In his spare time, Lambert enjoys doing yard work with his wife. "She the landscaper, and I'm her assistant," he joked.
He's also a big NPR fan with his favorite show being Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! WSIUTV's NOVA is another favorite of his.
Jim encourages people to volunteer, no matter what the service. "It doesn't take that much time, and it can be fun...everyone has a special talent. You can use it to help others."
