Volunteer Spotlight
Cathy Tidwell
1. What are your hobbies: crocheting, sewing & playing cards. I will be taking a quilting class in January of 2008. For many years we camped, mostly in the National and State Parks.
2. Family: I was born and raised in Cincy (prior to the Bengal’s) and graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1960. I was married on July 4th that same year. We were blessed with five children who are all married and living in the area. I have seven wonderful grandchildren and we will soon welcome a new grandson to our family. I am truly blessed!
3. How long have you been a HTC volunteer: I began volunteering in January of 2005.
4. How did I hear about HTC and why did I become a volunteer: A friend thought that HTC would be a “perfect fit” for me. She will never know how much her suggestion has meant to me. I believe in the “pay it forward” theory. When my husband died I felt I needed to find a place that would provide a means to put that theory to work. After researching (not really much) I decided to give HTC a try. I quickly learned what a wonderful organization it is and found a home. I began with three hours a week and gradually increased my time.
5. What hours and days do you volunteer: I volunteer on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 10am to 4pm.
6. What role or tasks do you perform as a HTC volunteer: I sometimes think that I provide the “comic relief” when there is a need. Seriously, I try to assist wherever needed. I sort and shelve donations, fill orders and have recently assisted with the organization of the toy room. I also assist with Diva’s Day Out. Currently I am the volunteer coordinator, a role that I love. I NEVER offer to assist with computer work!
7. What do I like best about volunteering for HTC: How do I begin? The needs of the children in our areas have increased tremendously in the past year. Together, all the volunteers make a difference. We come from varied backgrounds and work together like a well oiled machine. Our monthly meetings/luncheons are well attended, informative and fun. As the song goes “We are family”!
8. Other information you would like to share: I am recently retired (again) and hope to continue assisting at HTC for many years. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage others to consider volunteering @ HTC. I have a feeling that you will find it as rewarding as the current volunteers. Give us a try!