Meet Lori O’Donnell
April 30, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
Lori O’Donnell is a community-minded powerhouse with a passion for connection, giving back, and helping others thrive. Whether she’s organizing winter care packages for Mitzvah Month, encouraging older adults to try new programs at the Myerberg Center at the J, or discovering her love for audiobooks during long runs, Lori brings warmth, dedication, and an open heart to everything she does. Get to know Lori and hear what inspires her to stay involved, stay active, and keep building community—one mitzvah at a time.
Tell us about yourself! (Family, hobbies, anything!)
I have one son, Andrew, and am very close to my siblings, my sisters-in-law, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
Last summer, I discovered listening to audiobooks when I run and I love it. I used to think I could only run to music, but listening to a book while running makes time go fast (even as I run slow).
Tell us about your history with Mitzvah Month. What role(s) do you play on the planning committee?
I became interested in Mitzvah Month (back then it was Mitzvah Day) the very first year it occurred. My husband was Catholic, but we didn’t do Christmas Day with his family, we all get together the day after. As a family, we were looking for something to do on Christmas Day as well as an opportunity to give back. That first day, there were not a lot of volunteers, but we had a great time putting winter care packages together and getting them delivered. The following summer I received a letter asking me to be on the steering committee for Mitzvah Day and I’ve been involved ever since. On the planning committee I enjoy helping to plan deliveries of the winter care packages.
Why is giving back to the community important to you?
Giving back to the community is important because it’s a core principle of Judaism and also because it feels good to help. I like knowing I’m part of a community of kindness and helpfulness. I like having the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life and to help in some small way.
You recently took on a new role with the Edward A. Myerberg Center. What is your work about?
I’m currently the program coordinator for Myerberg at the J. We’re a satellite program that’s a partnership between the Myerberg Center and the Owings Mills JCC. We offer programming options for active agers who are 50-55+. We’re trying to give them opportunities and reasons to take advantage of all the JCC has to offer and instead of just coming in to work out, to have the opportunity to take part in a class, to learn something new, and to meet new people.
What would you say to someone who is 55+ and nervous about trying something new or making new friends?
Meeting new people and trying something new is always a little scary, no matter your age. Just remember, everyone has been in the same situation at one time or another. People are so willing to welcome new people who are joining a class for the first time. (Plus, in the Baltimore community, the chances are very good you’ll know someone already.) In my role as a group fitness instructor I see how people help each other. It’s truly a community and I love that. You just need courage to take a step and try something new.