The Perelstines: December Volunteers of the Month

Based upon the recommendation from an AARP volunteer and friend, Karla and Bob Perelstine decided to join the western Pennsylvania team of AARP volunteers two years ago.

“Mary [Rosenberg] told us how special AARP is and how it’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Karla. “Plus, she said we’d meet the nicest people, and we have.”

This year, the couple volunteered for the New Homestead, Allegheny County walk audit.

“It was a very important event and one of the things we saw was just how many people living in the community participated in the audit,” said Bob. “The residents have a lot of pride in their neighborhood and want it improved.”

“The crosswalks the children use to get to school are pretty dangerous,” added Karla, who also participated in the walk audit in Lincoln Park. “By conducting these audits and passing on our findings, hopefully, something will be done about the issues.”

The Perelsteins also volunteered for the Allegheny County walking series and several other community events over the last two years.

“The Allegheny Land Trust guides have been marvelous,” Bob added. “They were very knowledgeable and engaging.”

Volunteering at several Movies for Grownups was “fun,” Karla noted, while Bob enjoyed representing AARP at several Wild Things Minor League Baseball games. Karla also enjoys working at the East Liberty Food Pantry with AARP saying, “The food pantry personnel are very appreciative of our efforts.”

In addition to their AARP volunteer work, Bob is co-chair of the Beth El Congregation of the South Hills weekly bingos, while Karla is vice president of membership of the synagogue’s sisterhood and president of fundraising. The couple has two daughters, Erin and Marissa, and Karla is busy planning Erin’s wedding set for 2025.