DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

by
Maryann Miller

Walking into the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC) in Winnsboro, the first person one meets is Lela Groves, who has been the receptionist there since the center started in 1998. "She is the face of this place," says Georgia Moore, a long-time supporter of the Center. "Children walk in and see 'Grandma.' I consider her one of the town's greatest treasures."

Georgia made her comment at a recent reception held in honor of the 94-year-old volunteer, during which the main waiting area was dedicated to Lela. A large sign proclaims that this is the "Lela Groves Reception Area."

It is a beautiful sign, spanning the length of the wall behind her desk, and volunteer coordinator Jennifer Williams painted the hummingbirds around the letters. "Hummingbirds are Lela's favorite bird," says Imelda Tatsch, Program Director. "So we thought it would be nice to have some here where she can see them everyday."

In addition to greeting clients and families and visitors to NETCAC, Lela coordinates the gift closet, documents contributions to the closet and sends thank-you notes to donors. "Snuffy's Closet" is filled with new or gently used toys from which children can choose a gift when they come to the center; another way the staff tries to make abused children feel loved and welcomed.

Lela is knows as the "thank-you" lady among the various organizations to which she belongs. She has taken on the responsibility for taking care of that courtesy for Eastern Star, where she has been a member for many years. Some of the ladies from a local chapter of Eastern Star were at the reception, along with people who met her when she was a volunteer at the hospital in Winnsboro. Many of them spoke about what an inspiration she has been through her dedication to volunteering.

Jerry Edwards, Executive Director of NETWAC, says, "Lela is the embodiment of community in action. In addition to all the volunteer work here and at the hospital and elsewhere, she does things not many people know about."

One of those things Jerry mentioned was the fact that Lela has cooked for a woman who was in hospice care. Every day, Lela would make something and take it to the woman. "It is remarkable all that she does," Jerry says. "And we are so proud to have this reception for her."

(Pictured L-R: Laura Edwards, Georgia Moore, Jerry Edwards)

The reception for Lela was held January 30th from 2-4pm, and quite a number of people came to help celebrate the accomplishments of this lady. Several of the guests spoke about what Lela means to them. Kathy Smedley, NETCAC Program Director, talked about how much Lela supports the staff, as well as clients. "She makes this feel like we are all part of one big family experience," she says. (Kathy is pictured to the right in the foreground.)

Guests came off and on throughout the two-hour reception and included Lela's son D. Groves, and a good friend Janice Evans from Abiline.

(Pictured: Standing in the foreground, Deloy Wilson of Winnsboro; standing in background, D. Groves; Lela Groves and Janice Evans.)

Lela said she was surprised that so many people came on a cold and rainy Saturday afternoon, and she thanked each one with a warm acknowledgement.

If anyone had made a list of visitors, I'm sure a thank-you card would have gone out in the next day's mail.