Spring 2012 - Retirement Housing Foundation

Honoring Some Incredible IndividualsVolunteersA pessimist, they say, sees a glass of water as being half empty; an optimist sees thesame glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking forsomeone who might be thirsty.- G. Thomas GaleApril has been designated as National Volunteer Month and it seems only fitting that we take a few pages inthis publication to recognize some of the thousands of individuals and groups who make a difference to ourresidents and in our communities on a daily basis.RHF’s 2012 Volunteer of the YearDorothy Sanders - Ingleside Manor, Macon, GeorgiaDorothy Sanders was born in Manhattan, New York. Her familylater moved to Michigan where she was a graduate of NorthwesternHigh School in Detroit. She received a BA/BS degree from theUniversity of Detroit Mercy in Business Administration andAccounting.Dorothy was a resident at Ingleside Manor from March 2007until February 2010. Ingleside Manor’s manager writes that thefirst time she met Dorothy to begin her move-in paperwork, shestated, “If you ever need me to volunteer here, I will be glad to. Ivolunteer at a lot of different organizations.” Taking her up onher offer, she started volunteering in the office a couple of days aweek.Dorothy is a retired Accountant. Every year she volunteers tofile all residents’ Income Tax Returns at no charge. She is also aNotary, and offers this service to all residents at no charge.She makes sure that residents receive energy assistance, discounts on their phone bills, and reminds them tosave receipts for all ‘out of pocket’ medical expenses. When the community has ‘Call Congress’ days, Dorothyis a firm believer that everyone has a voice in government, and she helps the residents with the calls.Whenever there are severe weather conditions, Dorothy drives to Ingleside Manor after hours – sometimesat 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning – to check on the residents who are fearful and stay with them until the stormpasses over. She assists with the holiday community lunches and makes sure that the “shut-ins” are served.She donates her Saturdays cleaning apartments for residents who have no family or friends to help them. Ifresidents are in need, she will buy them groceries. She donates to all the resident activities and fundraisersand helps them any way she can.Dorothy’s other activities include Secretary of Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of Friends of Sheriff’s Office,Member of Chamber Education Committee, Chair of Consumers Advisory Council of US Postal Service,member of the Georgia Industrial Economic Board, Member of Elementary School Advisory Committee, andVolunteer at the Middle Georgia Food Bank. She tutors math students at elementary school and creates andsponsors Candidates Educational Seminars, collects toys for Marines “Toys for Kids”, is a church volunteerfor the Loaves and Fishes Program, Habitat Project, Homeless and Youth Programs, and the Fall Festival.She is a member of the Concerned Citizens Group of the County, assists with the Martin Luther King Paradeand Black History Month activities, and is the County Chairperson for the American Cancer Society Relayfor Life activities and fundraiser.For all that she does for Ingleside Manor and the larger Macon and Georgia community, RHF is pleased topresent Dorothy Sanders with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award.-11-