By Janet Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

When Phyllis Cox started volunteering once a week in the office of St. Cecilia Catholic School, she was so busy she decided to go back a second day to get the work caught up.

Phyllis Cox reads a story to a group of first-graders. (Tony Jones photo)

That was more than two years ago. Dubbed "Grandma Cox" by students, she now volunteers there three days a week, and sometimes more.

"There's always plenty to be done," said Cox, 62, who lives with her husband, Frank, in Sycamore Township.

The faculty and staff describe Cox as an incredible asset, a willing helper, a lifesaver to teachers, a real treasure and a great example of Christian service.

They say she volunteers for everything from answering phones to stuffing envelopes, making copies, filling in for the secretary, sorting mail, and sitting with students for brief periods.

Principal Lori Heffner called Cox a "wonderful role model for our children," and a "true hero."

"This is very rewarding," Cox said. "The work I do is easy, but the teachers say it saves them so much time and allows them more time with students. It makes me feel good to know I'm contributing."

Cox said she loved the secretarial job she'd held 32 years at Procter & Gamble, but she couldn't turn down a retirement package offered in 2001. One week later, she learned that St. Cecilia, where two of her grandchildren are enrolled, needed volunteer help.

The mother of three and grandmother of five decided to devote a few hours a week. When it snowballed into several days a week, she didn't give it a thought.

"When my kids were young, I had to work, and I didn't have time to volunteer," Cox said. "But there were people volunteering in my children's schools. Now it's my turn. And I love it. And I have an added incentive: My grandchildren stop in occasionally and give me a hug."

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