Everyone’S A Winner When You Volunteer

The Spokane Valley is brimming with volunteers - hundreds of committed men and women who serve without pay, visiting shut-ins, befriending youth and helping the needy.

Program directors at community agencies are so appreciative of their volunteers, they are reluctant to name specific ones at the risk of excluding others.

Nonetheless, we want to shine the spotlight on a few admirable individuals who inspire the rest of us toward volunteerism.

Deserving recognition are folks such as Larrie Adamson, Bill McMillan and John Eason.

These Valley residents are active participants in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Spokane County, which matches school-aged children with adult mentors who serve as positive role models.

Eason has been a Big Brother since 1998; McMillan since 1997. Both men call the organization “outstanding.”

Adamson, a Big Sister since 1995, says Big Brothers and Big Sisters impacts children in amazing ways.

“If you have any spare time (to get involved), go do it,” she says. “You’ll get back a thousand-fold what you put into it.”

More than 45 adults in the Spokane Valley volunteer with the program. Anyone interested in being an adult mentor may call 328-8310.

Single parents interested in the program for their children, ages 7-12, can request an application at the number above.

Meals with a smile

More than 170 Valley residents are volunteer drivers with Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, which delivers food to housebound elderly citizens.

Executive Director Pam Almeida emphasizes the importance of every volunteer, yet notes two couples who deserve special recognition.

Frank and Marge Doherty are the organization’s longest-serving volunteers. Since 1983, the Dohertys have driven “several times a week, any route, any time we need them,” says Almeida.

Don and Icie Bettinger are Meals on Wheels’ oldest volunteers. Both 86, they have been driving weekly routes since 1984.

Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteer drivers; call 924-6976.

Two-decade donor

For the most committed blood donor, it takes a span of 26 years to donate 20 gallons of blood, says Jennifer Hunt of the Inland Northwest Blood Center.

Harry Baker of Greenacres has donated more than 21 gallons.

Now 80 years old, Baker began as a blood donor in the early 1970s, as part of his Shriners membership.

The Blood Center also values Bob and Irene Johnson of the Spokane Valley.

Since 1995, the Johnsons work 12-hour shifts one or two days each week, traveling with mobile blood units around the Inland Northwest.

Anyone interested in serving at the Inland Northwest Blood Center may call 444-6318.

Fiddlin’ around with WV Kiwanis

Today, members of the West Valley Kiwanis are combining their love of children and enjoyment of fiddling in a worthwhile youth project.

The service club will host a raffle at the Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest beginning at 8 a.m. at East Valley High School.

Proceeds will be used to purchase fiddles for low-income children in our community.

This is one of several projects of the Kiwanis Club, which meets Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Marie Callender’s.

“We’re a big family,” says president Julius “Red” Weiler.

Other officers include Tommy Ventris, vice president; Eva Colomb, secretary; and Doug Matson, treasurer.

Are you a Valley pioneer?

If you remember the Spokane Valley in the days of yesteryear, the Pioneers of the Valley club wants to meet you.

The nonprofit service organization will meet on Monday at the Valley Eagles Lodge, 16801 E. Sprague. For information, call Art Herman, 924-3937.