A senior citizen’s “golden years” also can be productive years. Very productive.
Just ask Columbus resident Peggy Wampler.
Recently, the state honored the 80-year-old Wampler for her ample volunteerism in retirement.
She and her husband Don Wampler moved to Columbus in 1961. After raising her two sons at home until they were school age, she started a career with Indiana Bell Telephone Co., which lasted 27 years and eventually had her traveling around the state.
She gets around the Columbus community quite a bit, too.
The active octogenarian has assisted at Mill Race Center, Columbus Regional Hospital’s information desk and emergency room, a monthly Gleaner’s food truck, the Columbus Area Visitors Center, Thrive Alliance, the Salvation Army and Philharmonic Notables.
Mill Race Center’s greeting desk and Columbus Regional Hospital keep her busy Wednesday through Friday, at the moment.
“There’s just a need for people to help and I have the time,” Wampler said.
And the energy — enough to leave many others in the dust.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. On June 21, Wampler and 20 others received a Golden Hoosier award, given to senior citizens who have remained involved in their communities through volunteerism.
Lt. Gov Suzanne Crouch and the the state’s Family and Social Service Administration’s Division of Aging presented the awards at a ceremony in Indianapolis.
Wampler is a great example that volunteerism knows no boundaries of age, and benefits when people with a desire and drive to help lend their time and talents.
Her efforts and assistance are greatly appreciated, and are a tremendous example for others.
