SALEM — Sarah Haase said the fruits of her volunteer work are most poignant when her 10-year-old cousin sits on her lap and reads a braille book.
The National Braille Press recently recognized Haase with a 2009 Volunteer Award for donating her time and raising money for the nonprofit braille printer and publisher, which offers braille books, magazines, textbooks, tests and embossing services.
"It's a really fantastic local organization," said Haase, a Salem resident and 2001 graduate of Salem State College, "and I see it firsthand in my family. Education is so important and we're so blessed to have (National Braille Press) there."
She began volunteering for the National Braille Press three years ago.
"Because of my little cousin Brooke, I really have a lot of personal experience with blind children," Haase said, "and I thought (National Braille Press) was such an awesome organization."
Haase was one of three recipients of the annual volunteer award. The National Braille Press is located in Boston, where Haase volunteers and helps assemble and print braille books.
Haase, 29, lives in downtown Salem with her partner, Jennifer Lee. The couple also participates in the annual Vision 5K Run and Walk charity event.
On June 7, Haase participated in the 5K again, but this year, she ran it blindfolded, guided by Lee and another friend.
"It was really, really interesting as I was running along," Haase said. "It really just brings this new level of appreciation for what blind people go through every day."
Haase worked in marketing until recently, and she is now studying massage therapy.
To learn more about the National Braille Press, visit www.nbp.org.
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