MIDDLETOWN -- Leah Viel was just 10 years old when she began traipsing around the neighborhood collecting for heart disease, cancer and other causes.

        Her volunteer spirit, born at that tender age, continues today. At 62, she's still traipsing around, taking on causes to help others. Her volunteering hours now often equal those of many full-time jobs. That suits her just fine.

Leah Viel volunteers at the Middletown Community Pregnancy Center (Michael Snyder photo)

        Mrs. Viel recently received national recognition for her volunteer work. She was the recipient this year of the Middletown Chapter 1704, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 2002 National Chapter and Unit Community Service Award.

        An AARP member 12 years, she's on the board, and has been in charge of the local chapter's newsletter for 10 years. She also helps with many community service projects each year.

        For the past two years, she's spent four or five hours a week volunteering for the Middletown Community Pregnancy Center.

        She recently completed the 50 hours of training needed to become a Stephen Minister at Breiel Boulevard Church of God. This is a ministry practiced nationally by people who listen and care for church members who have problems but do not require professional counseling, Mrs. Viel said.

        The Middletown widow and mother of three children and five grandchildren is on the church's Board of Elders and Deaconesses.

        Mrs. Viel is a member of the Homemakers, a non-profit women's club that specializes in community service.

        Helen Dutch, a local AARP leader, said Mrs. Viel was a clear choice for this year's award.

        “Every since Leah joined our chapter, she's been very active and willing to do whatever needs done,” Mrs. Dutch said. “She's just so willing and so capable. A lot of times she volunteers before we get around to asking her.”

        Mrs. Viel said she enjoys helping any way she can.

        “If there's a need, I just go ahead and do it,” she said. “I don't count the hours, and it doesn't matter who needs me. My mother set the example for me, and it was a tradition I wanted to continue.”

        Do you know a Hometown Hero: someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet C. Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net or fax to (513) 755-4150.

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