by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Pat Gamer, June Volunteer of the Month, is a site volunteer for the Sanford Center.
Pat has been a volunteer with the agency since 2009 and has logged over 1,460 hours! She started volunteering at the Trailside Center making coffee. Pat exclaims, “Volunteering keeps me out of trouble!” Dawn Powell, Sanford Center Director calls Pat “strong willed but loves the Center and will do anything for me that she can.” Pat reports that “volunteering gives me a sense of pride. It makes me feel good to help someone.”
The list of ‘jobs’ Pat does for the Sanford Center is impressive! Each day she makes sure the Center has tea, lemonade and coffee ready. Pat fills the napkins on all the tables and picks up the day old bagels from Big Apple Bagels. According to Dawn, “Pat keeps an eagle eye on the comings and goings and alerts me to anything amiss. She reminds me of who needs a card sent or a phone call.” Dawn further explains that “This past year Pat and many other participants have held the Center together to keep it running smoothly during my many absences.”
I asked Pat what she would say to someone to encourage them to volunteer. Pat clarifies that she started volunteering because she was bored at home and needed something to do. She goes on and says, “Every little bit helps. Volunteering will give you a sense of satisfaction. If you have time on your hands, get out there and do something for someone.”
Pat was born in Detroit and lived around the area for many years before moving to Higgins Lake. She came to Sanford several years ago. She has 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She enjoys reading, especially John Grisham, Debbie Macomber and Nicholas Sparks. When she isn’t volunteering she can be found watching game or cooking shows. Pat jokes, “I used to cook but haven’t in many years!”
The Centers are gathering places for active older adults to dine together, socialize and participate in a variety of activities and special events. The Sanford Center is directed by Dawn Powell. For more information on activities call the center at (989) 687-7888 or check the latest issue of Prime Times News. For volunteer opportunities, call Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you Pat for your wonderful volunteer spirit and continued efforts to keep it sunny in Sanford! Congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteers!
Senior Services is in need of Seasons Adult Day Volunteers, Friendly Visitor, Shopping, Meals on Wheels drivers, Transportation drivers and Handyman volunteers. If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! And you will join one of the finest groups of people we know – our experienced, trusted and valued volunteers!
The Activity & Dining Centers and Seasons are always looking for any and all kinds of entertainment. Do you play an instrument? Do magic? Puppets? Call Allison if you are interested in volunteering to share your talent at our Centers and Seasons!
Visit us at www.SeniorServicesMidland.org to fill out a volunteer contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.