Love the Journey Blog

Looking to devote some of your time to helping others in 2025? Here’s your chance. Bradley International Airport (BDL), in partnership with Travelers Aid International, is currently recruiting volunteers to help staff BDL’s information desk.

There are more than 60 volunteers who make up the Travelers Aid team at BDL. All of them offer help and assistance to arriving and departing passengers with travel-related information, such as directions to airline baggage carousels, public transportation, rental cars, lodging and tourism information, and more.

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Travelers Aid and ensure that every passenger receives a warm welcome and helpful information during their time at Bradley International Airport,” said Mary Kate Doherty, program manager for Travelers Aid at BDL.

The impact each volunteer has on travelers is far-reaching. According to Travelers Aid, in 2024, its volunteers assisted more than 280,000 people traveling through BDL – a 10-percent increase compared to 2023. Additionally, the team volunteered nearly 8,000 hours of its time last year.

“I’m a people person, and so after I retired, I wanted to volunteer my time in a setting where I could help others,” said Judy Welch of Windsor Locks, who’s been a Travelers Aid volunteer at BDL for the last five years. She’s done it all and seen it all – from assisting passengers with their travel needs to witnessing emotional moments, such as the time she took a photo for an elderly couple after they were reunited with their long-lost daughter for the first time. “Moments like that are so special. Being able to talk to somebody, offer my help, and make an impact is the biggest reward.”

The longevity of some of the Travelers Aid volunteers also speaks to the importance of the work they are doing. In December, two of those volunteers were honored for their commitment. Donna Rueli has been volunteering at BDL for 16 years, while Dan Short was recognized for reaching a 24-year milestone before his recent retirement from Travelers Aid.

The information desk is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Every volunteer is asked to work one 4-hour shift each week. Training is available for all new volunteers to learn about the airport environment and how to best respond to passenger questions.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Travelers Aid at BDL, click HERE to fill out an application. You can also contact Caroline Guilford at [email protected] or 860-500-9795.