Debbie Woods
Debbie grew up in Collingdale, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. In 1972 and just out of high school, she began her career in the Federal Government as a purchasing agent at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. She later earned her BS in Business Administration from Philadelphia University by attending at night. Debbie completed her 37-year career in a policy position at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Debbie met her partner of 15 years, Leslie Sinclair, at a women’s dance in Northern Virginia in late 1997. Their first visit to Rehoboth was in the summer of 1998. Although Debbie has fond memories of the Jersey Shore, they both fell in love with the character of Rehoboth, along with the welcoming atmosphere of the gay community. They soon bought a condo and spent every available weekend in Rehoboth. When Leslie retired in 2008, they purchased their current home and Debbie followed full-time one year later.
In addition to her volunteer activities, Debbie enjoys working two days a week for Dr. Thomas Kelly at Shore Community Medical, playing softball for the Sand Crabs in a senior league, belonging to a neighborhood book club, and scuba diving in far-away places. Debbie and Leslie have two cats, Max and Daisy, both nearly 12 years old.
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what activities have you been involved with since?
While living in the DC area, I participated in a tutor/mentor program for DC high school students called Community Club. I mentored two students, both of whom subsequently graduated college, and also oversaw groups of student/ tutor pairs. I volunteered there for 14 years until I retired and left the area. I wanted to continue giving back to the community in retirement. The two CAMP programs I’m most involved with are Volunteer on Vacation (VOV) and the Grants team, which researches potential funders to assist with some of CAMP Rehoboth’s most pressing needs.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
The VOV team had a lot of fun hosting a career day, music appreciation event, and a photography scavenger hunt with the children of West Rehoboth in partnership with West Side New Beginnings. Equally rewarding is partnering with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) and their Vet Build and A Brush with Kindness programs. The homeowners are so grateful for our contributions. The VOV team has gained important exposure for CAMP outside of the immediate Rehoboth area with gardening events in Lewes and HFH builds in Angola by the Bay and Georgetown. In fact, at the Vet Build just the other day, a volunteer at the site wanted to know what CAMP Rehoboth was. When I told him, I then had to explain what the letters LGBT mean. I love being out and proud AND being seen as a valuable member of the community. We have another Brush with Kindness event coming on September 14. We would love for some new folks to come out—especially the guys!
Assuming you live or visit here year round, what’s your favorite thing to do in the off season?
Leslie and I enjoy taking advantage of the famous local restaurant specials. And let’s face it, Rehoboth doesn’t really “close down” in the winter. There are fun events to look forward to pretty much all year round, such as the Jazz and Film Festivals, Sea Witch Festival, New Year’s Eve Gayla, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus concerts, etc.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
I guess it would have to be Paul McCartney; I always loved him and the Beatles. But it would be so much more exciting if he wasn’t 71 now, and I was older than 10, like I was in 1964!
Fast forward or rewind? If you could go ahead in time or back, which would you pick and why?
I’d like to bring some of the Founding Fathers into the 21st century to get their opinions on how our government has evolved to where it is today. I dare say they would not be pleased.
Lost! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you (other than food and water)?
Besides Leslie, some books, the Glenlivet, and lots of mosquito repellent!
Early bird or night owl? Why?
Well, I’m definitely not an early bird, but between Leslie and our cats, I usually have no choice!
You’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you’d do with your winnings?
No question, I would give much of it away to worthy causes (including CAMP of course!)
Favorite part of a wedding?
The personalized vows that couples write for each other, making each ceremony unique.
Pet peeve(s)?
Biased news media, and how we’re constantly being fed news of no substance when there are so many serious problems to solve.
What was your best job ever? Worst?
I can’t say I’ve had a really bad job, although I’ve been bored at times. One benefit of working for the Federal government is that each agency has a worthy mission. That’s important to me. Nowadays, I really enjoy working in the front office for Dr. Kelly. We’re all neighbors and friends, and Ahmed the office manager keeps us laughing, including the patients! And once again I have a great mission—I’m helping to fill a critical need for good medical care in Sussex County.
One favorite food? One food you’d never eat?
My favorites are Italian and Mexican. I never developed a taste for liver. Not even close!
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?
Definitely right here in the USA and our beloved Rehoboth. Leslie and I both love to travel, twice for as long as a month (Australia and SE Asia). Experiencing different cultures is fascinating, but being away also reminds us of how good we have it here.
What are you most thankful for?
That’s easy. I’m most thankful for Leslie, volunteer extraordinaire, who is an inspiration to me in so many ways. Her example challenges me to do better and give more.
If you ask me, Debbie, both you and Leslie are inspirational when it comes to giving back to our community and to CAMP Rehoboth. We’re blessed to have your dedicated support, and I’m personally blessed to call you friends. Our sincere thanks!
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.
