A Passion for Helping: Volunteer Spotlight on Tanya Voris

Tanya Voris’ volunteer journey at Cornwall Manor is a testament to how meaningful connections, personal passions and community spirit can come together to create lasting impact—both on campus and throughout the Lebanon Valley.

Born in South Caroline, but moving to Texas as an infant, Tanya began her professional career working in banking before relocating to Colorado. There, she met her husband, Bob, in 1992, and the couple married in 1994. In 1998, they moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to Bob’s family, eventually settling in the Cornwall area and welcoming their daughter, Dana.

Tanya’s introduction to Cornwall Manor came through her church, Church of the Good Shepherd, where she met Patricia Ewald, a Cornwall Manor resident who encouraged her to get involved. In 2004, when Dana was in first grade, Tanya began volunteering at the Manor Shoppe, the gift and convenience store located in the Freeman Community Center.

What began as a simple volunteer role quickly expanded. Tanya started by helping to order and restock greeting cards but soon took on additional responsibilities including cashiering, shopping for inventory and eventually assisting with the grocery section when it was added. She partnered with fellow volunteer and resident Shirley Espenshade to handle grocery shopping duties, ensuring the Shoppe remained well-stocked for residents.

Volunteering at Cornwall Manor was a natural fit for Tanya’s schedule as a devoted homemaker and mother. While raising Dana—who was active in the music programs at Cedar Crest Middle and High Schools—Tanya became deeply involved in supporting the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. Through her work with the Music Aides, she helped raise funds for uniforms, instruments, and educational opportunities benefiting students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Her growing involvement at Cornwall Manor led to broader participation in Cornwall Manor Society (CMS) activities. Tanya became a lifetime member of the Society and still proudly keeps her membership card. She is also an Ambassador for the Cornwall Manor Society, helping to promote its mission and strengthen connections between the Society and her church, Cornwall United Methodist and the broader community. Over the years, she contributed to numerous events and initiatives, including serving as Treasurer for the annual Fall Festival (now known as Blooms & More Festival), helping to organize the 60th Anniversary Chocolate Fest and participating in CMS retreats that focused on fundraising and strategic planning.

Tanya also introduced a gift card fundraising program to Cornwall Manor, inspired by a similar initiative at her church. In addition, she served as a transporter and assisted with campus events such as Fun Fest and Cookies, Carols, Crafts & More—always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

Her volunteer path continued to evolve during Cornwall Manor’s campus renovations in 2017. When plans were developed to combine the Curiosity Shoppe and Campus Collectibles into one unified thrift store, Tanya played an instrumental role in the transition. The result was the Treasure Trove, which opened in 2018 as a larger, more accessible retail space for residents and the community.

Since its opening, Tanya has served as co-manager of the Treasure Trove. She oversees social media efforts and co-coordinates the clothing department alongside resident and volunteer Nancy Mills. Under her guidance, the Trove not only provides affordable goods but also supports community outreach by donating unsold clothing to organizations such as Jubilee, the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Quentin United Church of Christ.

Tanya has also fostered meaningful partnerships beyond campus. She helped establish a relationship with the Glass Slipper Project of Lebanon by arranging donations of formalwear from the Treasure Trove. This initiative ensures that local high school students can purchase prom attire at a nominal cost, helping make special milestones accessible to all.

Her commitment to service extends beyond Cornwall Manor. Tanya was an active volunteer involved in the Power Packs Project since October 2023, helping distribute nutritious weekend meals to children in Lebanon, Lancaster and York Counties who face food insecurity. She also volunteers with Bible2School through Cornwall United Methodist Church, helping provide faith-based education to local third- and fourth-elementary school students.

Today, Tanya continues to find joy in volunteering both at Cornwall Manor and in the broader community. In addition to her work at the Treasure Trove, she volunteers at her mother’s residence at the Willows senior apartments. She remains actively engaged in church outreach and community service projects, always seeking new ways to make a difference.

Tanya treasures the relationships she has built over the years with residents, staff and fellow volunteers. “Each time I come to Cornwall Manor, it feels like a new experience,” she shares. “That’s what makes it so special.”