Helping Hands: Etha Bailey

Name: Etha Bailey

Hometown: grew up on a farm in South Carolina

DOB: March 10, 1937

Title: “As a member of the Chapel By the Sea which instigated the Tampa Bay Harvest Project, I pick up food at retail outlets, deliver it to the RCS (Religious Community Services) food bank in Clearwater; also volunteer twice a month at MacDill Air Force Base preparing packets and assisting people attending classes to control weight and cholesterol and manage diabetes.”

How long volunteering: “Two years for the church project; eight years for MacDill.”

What encouraged you to volunteer:  “We need to give back some of what we get in life, RCS helps the less fortunate with food and clothing; MacDill provides services for troops and their families who gave to the country.”

What do you like most about volunteering: “Meeting and helping people.”

What keeps you interested: “I enjoy the work, the people and the satisfaction of helping my community.”

How can public help: “Give a hand to whatever cause seems urgent. Growing up on a farm taught me the farmer always puts back some of what he takes from the soil.”