Marie Schrader, Douglas County's volunteer for April, has lived in Gardnerville for the past four years, moving from Pollock Pines, Calif.
She has been volunteering for the Family Support Council for the last year, but has a 40-year record as a volunteer.
She is being profiled this month by Active Volunteers in Douglas.
Schrader's duties at the Family Support Council are chiefly at the front desk. She monitors four telephone lines, makes referrals to outside services, and answers questions about the Family Support Council.
She provides clerical support to staff as needed, helps with fund-raising efforts and other duties.
According to Orita Keebaugh, Family Support Council coordinator for domestic violence and sexual assault, Schrader volunteers a minimum of 8-12 hours per week.
Schrader said her most important job is "maintaining a positive and hopeful spirit in all interaction with clients and staff members."
Ask Schrader why she became a volunteer and her reply is, "Because I believe in supporting positive efforts to improve the quality of life for members of our society.
"I read in The Record-Courier that the Family Support Council needed volunteers so I came into the office and applied," she said.
Schrader said her favorite aspect of volunteering is "witnessing my time and efforts making a positive change in someone's life and providing hope and help to those who are in need."
Schrader and her husband Randy have two sons, a daughter, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.
She also considers her border collie Tommy, and cats Sara and Chili as family.
Schrader has worked in the travel industry, mental health and held various office positions.
"Volunteering for the Family Support Council is incredibly gratifying to me and the relationships I have developed while volunteering are the finest I have ever had," Schrader said when asked why she would recommend volunteering.
"We at Family Support Council love our volunteers," Keebaugh said.
For information about volunteering, call 783-6450.
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