For Patricia Veale, retirement has never meant stepping away, it has meant stepping forward. As Local Chapter Second Vice-President for Communications with the Harlandale–S Bexar County Educational Retirees Association, Patricia continues to live out her lifelong commitment to education, service, and connection through her volunteer work with the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), especially the TRTA Children’s Book Project.
Patricia’s journey with TRTA began simply with an invitation. Encouraged by neighbors and fellow retired educators to attend church, and then a local TRTA meeting, she quickly found herself surrounded by people who shared her values and her heart for service. What began as a meeting soon became a mission.
“When I was asked if I could be the person giving out the children’s books, I said yes,” Patricia recalls. “That’s when I realized I had found both a church family and a TRTA family.”
That sense of belonging has deeply enriched her retirement. Through TRTA, Patricia has discovered not only meaningful work, but a circle of caring people who support one another and show up when help is needed. For her, volunteering is as much about connection as it is about service.
Nowhere is that connection more visible than in Patricia’s leadership of the TRTA Children’s Book Project, a statewide initiative that began in 1998 and continues to place books directly into the hands of children who may not otherwise have them. Funded through member donations, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships, the project reflects TRTA’s enduring commitment to literacy and educational opportunity.
In her community, Patricia has seen firsthand how powerful a single book can be. Whether distributing Spanish-language books to children of immigrant families, offering free books alongside candy at her church’s “Trunk or Treat” event, or coordinating donations through book fairs, thrift stores, and silent auctions, she ensures that books reach children where they are—schools, churches, shelters, and community events.
She is quick to credit her fellow TRTA members, including Beverly Teel, Rebecca Bishop, Alice Gilder, Suzanne Fell, Francis Rodriguez, Veronica Salinas, Blanche Mora, and Debra Knight, who help make the work possible. From colleagues who track down book donations despite health challenges, to members who contribute time, jewelry, funds, and advocacy, Patricia describes the Children’s Book Project as a true team effort—one fueled by generosity and shared purpose.
Her leadership has also inspired others to step up and serve. Patricia has witnessed TRTA members willingly fill roles when someone is unable, proving that retirement does not diminish one’s value, it enhances it. Through volunteering, members stay informed, engaged, and connected, while continuing to make a tangible difference in their communities.
“Volunteering shows that retired teachers still matter,” Patricia says. “We are still a vibrant, serving part of our community.”
Beyond service, TRTA offers something just as important: fellowship. Social meetings, shared meals, recognition, learning opportunities, and laughter all play a role in building bonds that sustain members through every season of life.
