Senior Center Names Top Volunteer
Right when you think your purpose has been disabled by a disability, you learn differently. That is, with the right attitude.
The Jasper County Senior Center works with the aging and disabled in our community. Each year the center depends on volunteers to enhance its services, whether it is helping deliver meals to people who are no longer able to cook for themselves or leading crafts for those who like to socialize together or leading exercise, each senior volunteer is encouraged to find a purpose to help them “age well.”
Gary McDaniel is no different. Yet his circumstances lead him the Senior Center were unique. He was always a hard-working man until he had a heart attack while driving at age 59. This car wreck caused him to be in a coma for two months with a broken hip and leg. He was more than lucky to be alive. Right after recovering and going home, he agreed to become a volunteer at the Center, which sped up his healing process. After over a year of volunteering, he sees a remarkable difference in his abilities.
He won this honor due to his dependability, rarely missing a day of work, and his “can-do” attitude. He did janitorial and landscaping duties, as well as filling in where ever he was needed. This volunteerism led to a paying job as a janitor. Even so, he continues to go over and above the call of duty to volunteer extra time still. He just loves working.
Mr. McDaniel has two daughters, Erica Arnett and Alisha Lummus, as well as five grandchildren. He is a dedicated father and grandfather as well as a devoted member at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall. He has a third degree black belt in karate and was a karate instructor for nearly 20 years. He love animals, drawing, and walking with his granddaughter.
Mr. McDaniel responds to Director Tracy Norton giving him this award by saying, “God gave me so much so I’m to give back. If it weren’t for Him, I wouldn’t be alive.”
Mrs. Norton reminds everyone that “volunteers save our county tax dollars by over $30,000 in value-added each year and these volunteers make our program great. Be sure to volunteer when you retire.”
For more information about the local Senior Center, visit its temporary location, while their facility is being renovated, at St. James A.M.E. Church at 514 Funderburg Drive, Monticello or call 706-468-7507.
