Group names top volunteer

Editor's note: Each month, The Record-Courier profiles a volunteer in cooperation with Active Volunteers in Douglas, an organization formed to address recruitment, retention, placement, and recognition of volunteers. Anyone who wishes to nominate a volunteer, or become active with AVID, is asked to call 783-6450 and leave a message, including a contact telephone number.

December volunteer: Karen Kerley

Volunteer for: American Red Cross, Douglas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

How long have you lived here in Douglas County? Seven years

Town of residence: Gardnerville

Where did you live before moving here to Douglas County? South Lake Tahoe

Family:

My 82-year-old mom, Linda Kerley; I have three children who live in Carson City, San Diego and Utah; and two grandchildren, 4-year-old Cheyenne and 1-year-old Andrew in Carson City

Are you currently working or retired? Retired

Former profession: Physical therapist

How long have you been a volunteer? All my life

What are your duties? With Search & Rescue, we search for lost hikers in the mountains or rivers as well as lost skiers and/or snowboarders, do traffic control for parades, deliver food to firefighters on fire scenes, staff first aid stations at casinos for New Year's, notify people when there is an evacuation, help teach tracking classes; with Red Cross, on the Disaster Action Team, we provide assistance to families/individuals who have lost their homes due to fire, open shelters when there is an evacuation, and participate in Halloween Safe Streets

How much time do you volunteer per month? 100-plus hours

Why and how did you become a volunteer? I have always looked at ways to help and volunteer since I was a teen

Favorite aspects of volunteering: Meeting new people

What would you say to others to encourage others to volunteer?

It is well worth the time and effort to volunteer and help other people. Some might think they are too busy but there is always something that can be done to help and it multiplies the joy in your life.