By Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Don Walter has been nominated as Volunteer of the Month for November. Don has been volunteering since September 2013 as a Transportation Driver accumulating over 1,030 hours. Trish Brown, Transportation Manager, says, “Don is always kind and caring towards our transportation clients. He has scheduled a time each week to help us with a morning route. His consistency is very helpful for the clients and us.” Don explains, “I was looking for something to do after I retired. I enjoy driving and knew the agency needed help. It was a good fit.” Darla Gairns, Transportation Scheduler, shares, “When Don gets an extended break from driving you can always find him at the puzzle table. He is always nice and happy to drive his day.”
Don has been working in the transportation field all of his life. He retired from Shorts Freight Line in Bay City in 2000, then worked part-time for them for another 11 years. He has been married to his wife, Valerie for 37 years. They are both Midland High Alumni from the class of 1959. They like sports and enjoy attending many high school games. They have 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Don also enjoys playing cards and jigsaw puzzles.
Transportation Drivers use agency vehicles to take older adults to medical appointments within Midland County. Drivers must have a good driving record with a kind and courteous attitude toward our clients. We offer “door to door” service with an arm to lean on! How would Don encourage others to volunteer for Senior Services? “Look for something you like and volunteer that way to help others.”
Thank you, Don, for your 11 years of service to the older adults of Midland County and congratulations on being chosen as Volunteer of the Month! If you are in need of any of the programs and services that Senior Services offers, call (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison at (989) 633-3741.