Sometimes it's a hug from a victim of domestic violence after Wood has been her advocate and held her hand in court. Or it's a smile from a city employee she's helped through her volunteer job there, or a thank-you for her work on a local non-profit group's workshop.

Hometown Hero Wilma Wood. (Thomas E. Witte/FOR THE ENQUIRER)

To some, the rewards might seem small for all the hours she volunteers weekly, but the retired teacher/administrator, who lives in Middletown with her husband, Ivan, is content. Even while employed full-time, she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and other groups. After retiring in 1994, she expanded her volunteering.

Despite battles with cancer, Wood, who has one son and three grandchildren, still volunteers three mornings a week for Middletown's information systems. She does general office work, takes calls and sends out work orders.

She also volunteers two half-days weekly as an advocate for victims of domestic violence. She helps them find resources and provides moral support in Middletown Municipal Court.

And she has served three years on the citywide Unity Diversity Council. She attends about eight meetings yearly and helps with the annual workshop. In addition, she is a member of the Second Ward Community Council, which works to improve that area.

"People sometimes question why I'm on that council since I don't live in that ward," Wood said. "I care about the whole city. I don't draw boundary lines on the map. I go wherever I can help. I've been blessed all my life, and my desire is to make life better for others."

She volunteers for the Middletown Community Center. She's known for her willingness to help.

"Wilma doesn't limit her volunteering to certain areas," said Nancy Nix, Middletown City Council member. "Wherever she's needed, she steps up. We need a lot more citizens like Wilma in Middletown."

Before cancer struck in 2001, Wood was a Habitat volunteer 15 years, including executive director for several years. In 1998, she spent two weeks in El Salvador helping build houses for the needy.

"Caring about people and seeing the effect when you've done something to really make a difference in a life is wonderful," Wood said. ""When I work with a domestic violence victim and they say, "You helped save my life,' there's no greater reward."

Do you know a Hometown Hero? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to (513) 755-4150.