Madalyn Crocker, of Niles, has been a volunteer at the Greater Niles Senior Center for the past six years.  She is also a volunteer at the Apple Festival and her church.

What do you do for the Greater Niles Senior Center?

Anything that they need done. Right now I do their begging for the summer picnic. I went all over town and asked for summer donations. Any of the parties that they need help with I do that.  A couple of weeks ago, I helped with the fruit and vegetable trays for their dance. Whatever needs to be done. I don’t know the word “no.”

How did you get involved as a volunteer?

My husband was in respite care and when respite care closed down, we started an Alzheimer’s support group and they were meeting at the senior center and one day when I came out through there,  I saw Cathy, the director, who was a neighbor of mine and I said do you need any drivers? Or can you use a driver? I had driven a school bus for 20 years and I had driven her daughter and that is what started it.

What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering?

Seeing someone happy — or happy might not be the word… appreciative. When they realize something has been done for them that didn’t need to be done. It’s like when you go through the door and somebody holds it open for you. It is a little thing, but it makes the person that the door is being held for feel good. If we all knew that we would have a better world. It doesn’t have to be big. When I see something that needs to be done, I just go do it.  Some people do things with the intent of ‘what can it get me?’ I get more joy out of doing something when people don’t know that I did it.

What would you say is one of your proudest accomplishments as a volunteer?

I don’t really feel so much proud because I just enjoy doing this stuff. Probably the biggest thing that I have done is the New Year’s Eve party. Seeing that other people have a good time or get some enjoyment is the best.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling the newsroom at (269) 687-7713, or emailing a tip to news@leaderpub.com.