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Volunteer Spotlight: Betty's 35 Years of Heart & Service

Betty Miller a volunteer of 35 years at The Caring Place featured in a series of 3 images over the years volunteering.

An Interview With Long Term Volunteer Betty Miller 

When Betty first arrived at The Caring Place 35 years ago, she was handed a bag and asked to pick up clothes off the floor—definitely not what she had envisioned. “I came in the second day and said, ‘I'm not doing that,’” she recalls with a laugh. Instead, she found herself outside, working under a tree, sorting shoes on a large table in the open air. Though she nearly walked away, a mix of determination and heart kept her going. That moment marked the beginning of a remarkable journey—one that has spanned nearly the entire history of The Caring Place. And to this day, Betty continues to lend her expertise in shoes and accessories, a role she’s made her own over the decades.

Betty came to volunteer after retiring, encouraged by her sister-in-law. She didn’t want to stay home all the time, and what she found here was more than just a way to stay busy. “I liked the people. It's a fun job. You meet a lot of people, and it becomes like a family,” she says. That sense of connection has kept her coming back week after week, year after year.

Over the decades, Betty has seen The Caring Place grow from a small, single-building operation to a vibrant, multi-building community hub. “We used to give out groceries under the trees,” she remembers, gesturing to the spacious, air-conditioned warehouse around her. “Now look at it - this is gorgeous.” She’s proud of how far the organization has come and the impact it continues to make.

One of her favorite memories is from the “Sweets, Treats, and Trees” event, where she helped organize cookies and refreshments. “It was a lot of fun,” she says, her voice lighting up at the memory.

Betty’s dedication has inspired others, including her grandson, who recently hosted a crawfish boil fundraiser for The Caring Place. “I was so proud,” she says. “He asked everyone to donate $20 to The Caring Place. I don’t know if he did it because his Nanny works here, but it was so sweet.”

At almost 88 years young, Betty still volunteers once a week. “I used to work two days until COVID hit,” she says. “Now I’m lucky to get here one day. I’m an old woman!” But she’s not done yet - she’s even trying to recruit her daughter-in-law to join the team. “We need you,” she tells anyone considering volunteering. “It’s a way to help people. I can’t afford to give money, but I give my time.”

As The Caring Place celebrates 40 years of service, we are honored to recognize Betty - whose kindness, resilience, and unwavering commitment (with just the right amount of spitfire) have helped shape who we are today. She’s a treasure in our volunteer family, full of heart and humor. Her “shoes” may be hard to fill, but her legacy continues to inspire and sparkle.

Thank you, Betty! 

 

Want to join Betty as a volunteer at The Caring Place? Learn more and fill out a volunteer application here: https://www.caringplacetx.org/who-we-are/our-people/volunteer-opportunities/overview.html

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