Linda Keith Honored

Linda Keith received the Lieutenant Governor’s Power of Service award last week. A longtime volunteer with the Senior & Community Volunteer Program, her spirit of service has touched the lives of many people in Cache Valley. The award is given through the Lieutenant Governor's Office to three Utahns a year. Keith’s volunteer work suits her; she described herself as a natural “gabber” who enjoys talking to people whether she is delivering Meals on Wheels, staffing the store at Global Village Gifts or driving the Veteran’s Administration van. Meals on Wheels requires its delivery volunteers to make contact with the people who receive the meals, Keith said. The conversation is optional, but if the person receiving the meal is game, so is she. As a world traveler Keith has seen the need for people in developing countries to bring in an income and be paid fairly for their work. Since Global Village is a Fair Trade Federation member, she knows the craftswomen who have made the wares sold in the store are paid fairly, and quickly. She is happy to donate her time to the cause. She also drives the VA van, ensuring that veterans get to their medical appointments. She not only drives them to and from the VA hospital, but also waits for them until all the visits are done. “You never know how long it will be,” she said. “I love it when they get talking about their service.”

Rodney Pack, the Senior & Community Volunteer Coordinator at the CPD, was delighted that Keith was recognized. “Linda is always willing to help,” he said. “She’s willing to try anything and step outside herself. She feels strongly about giving back.” The Senior & Community Volunteer Program has recently moved its focus around education, with volunteer opportunities in selected schools, the Cache Refugee & Immigrant Connection, CAPSA, Bear River Head Start, Stokes Nature Center, the Utah Conservation Corps and Somebody's Attic. More information on volunteer opportunities is available through the community and senior volunteer program. For information on how you can help your local volunteers with their current coat drive, see the details below--and hurry, because the deadline is soon! The Senior & Community Volunteer program is part of the Public & School Partnership in the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University.