Diana Roth Volunteer of the Month
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
Local volunteer, Diana Roth, wastes not a day, making people smile and laugh with not only her fantastic sense of humor, but her sense of community, donating her time and talents to many local organizations. United Way & Volunteer Services’ has honored Diana for her volunteer efforts, presenting her with the Volunteer of the Month Award for March 2012.
After retiring from the Yankton Public School District where she worked as a School Cook for over 30 years, Diana decided she wanted to start volunteering. “Volunteering gets you out in the community and you meet so many wonderful people,” states Diana.
Her volunteer efforts began in November of 2009 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, helping at the Information Desk. Diana continues to volunteer at the hospital as an escort where she helps people locate their destination within the hospital. She also delivers newspapers, mail, and flowers to patients.
Carla Hummel, Volunteer Coordinator at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, says Diana’s contributions are much appreciated. “Diana is phenomenal! I have recently had a couple volunteers fall out of schedule due to ill health and Diana has picked up where they left off and has been covering very patiently while I am on a search for replacements. She is absolutely golden. Her positive attitude, optimistic outlook, and just plain great attitude are looked forward to every time she enters the building!”
Diana soon heard of more volunteer opportunities through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and joined in. RSVP provides seniors the opportunity to put their skills to work by helping find senior volunteer opportunities that match their interests.
Deb Overseth, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator describes Roth as someone who is upbeat, cheerful, and energetic. “Diana gives so much of herself to help others and the community,” Overseth said. “Since Diana joined RSVP in 2009, she has put in over 1,800 hours of volunteer service to local programs in Yankton including the United Way & Volunteer Services, RSVP office, Chamber of Commerce, SD Tourism, Sack Pack, the Women’s/Children’s Center, and many more!”
On average, Diana contributes over 25 hours a week to volunteering. These hours include time spent at the hospital, multiple volunteer opportunities through RSVP, quilting for St. John’s Lutheran Church, and reading to Ms. Becker’s First Grade Class at Beadle Elementary.
According to Ms. Becker, Diana Roth is one of “MY3GRAMAS” who have become the core reading volunteers in her first grade classroom. “Diana rotates through 25 students, listening to each read and visiting with them about their lives. We truly appreciate her gift of sharing time and attention with these 6-, 7-, and 8-year old students.”
Diana’s sense of community contributes to her a sense of worth. “Volunteering is so rewarding,” Roth exclaims. “I love it! And the pay isn’t too bad either! The thanks you receive definitely out ways anything you could pay me for the work I do. I love it, I love it, I love it! I’ll never quit.”
Diana encourages others to volunteer, stating “There is something out there for everyone. Volunteering is flexible and at your own pace, you have the freedom to pick your hours and what you like to do. There are so many opportunities available, you need to go out and try it!” Diana emphasizes that age is not a factor when it comes to volunteerism, “Young, old, or young at heart, volunteering is for everyone!”