For the last 10 years, Hall has been unable to work due to his disability, so he’s decided to dedicate himself to volunteering his time to help others in the New Britain community.  Hall volunteers as a mentor at the Recycle Bike Shop, where youth in the after-school program are able to receive assistance in bike repair.  He also volunteers at the FoodShare, where he helps distribute food products to those who are not able to access food on their own. 
 

"I have narcolepsy.   I need a pill to go to sleep, a pill to wake up.   I can’t work because I may nod off to sleep.  I can’t drive anymore either. 

All my life I’ve worked in fast food and little jobs here and there.   But nothing as important as what I do now," Hall said. 

Born in New Orleans 47 years ago, Hall moved to New Britain after stints in Chicago and Las Vegas.  Although he left New Orleans as a youth, he hasn’t lost that distinct accent that lets you know he’s not from the Northeast. 

"I don’t know why I still have this strong accent," Hall said.  "I left New Orleans when I was very young, and I don’t have any family there or many friends there either.  "

When Hall moved to New Britain, he thought that he would use volunteering as a means to help cure his boredom, but what he’s discovered goes beyond what he’d ever imagined.   Hall says having narcolepsy hasn’t been easy, but he’s happy now because he has plenty to do, and volunteering has made his journey purposeful. 

"These kids here at the shop would tell me that I’m the only one who would spend time with them and help them.  To them it doesn’t take a lot.  Just a little -- that’s all they need.  Give them that, and they appreciate it," Hall said.  "Don’t get me wrong.  I would love to be rich.  I would love to be able to work too, but I feel like being here has given me a sense of purpose.  I give my all to helping these kids.  "

As a youth, Hall said that he always liked working on and riding bikes and can see himself in some of the children who come through the doors of the shop.  

"When I was young, we would put a lawn mower motor on the bikes.   I remember when I was about six years old, and I had a flat tire.   And I stopped riding my bike," Hall said.   "Well, my neighbor kept asking me why I wasn’t riding my bike.  I told him that I had a flat.  He had me bring my bike to him, and he showed me how to fix it.  From that day on, I knew how to fix my bike. 

"Some of the kids who come in here have parents who can afford a $300 bike. 

But most of them can’t.  I love this program because kids here can earn new parts for their bikes, and they learn to fix a bike.  I mean, when you put a bike together yourself it means more to a kid than a $300 bike.  "

Hall attributes his motivation to volunteering at the shop to the youth in the community.  He wants them to see that they can’t let disabilities get in their way of accomplishing their goals.  Hall also feels that volunteering at the FoodShare has contributed to his livelihood. 

"It helps me meet a lot of people in the community, and I feel good helping to make other people happy.  You can see it on their faces when I take food to the houses of people who can’t get out," Hall said.  "They really appreciate it.  The reward for me is all over their face -- in their smiles.  "

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached by calling ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext.   306.