'A natural leader with a heart of gold': Air Force Enlisted Village resident is top volunteer

SHALIMAR — An Air Force Enlisted Village resident was named LeadingAge Southeast Volunteer of the Year at an annual LeadingAge convention earlier this month in Orlando.

According to a news release, Helga Howard moved into the Bob Hope Village in 2016 and took on any project needed to help residents and the facility staff.

"I needed a purpose in my life,” Howard was quoted as saying in the release. “Volunteering has brought me joy. It’s fun, makes me happy, and makes others happy. Often, it puts a smile on other people’s faces. Making people smile is my motto.”

Howard currently volunteers at the Bob Hope Village as a front desk receptionist, resident council representative and Wii bowling leader. She also helps at the general stores at Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House and the Dolores Hope All Faiths Chapel .

In a statement, Bobbi Jo Dominguez, the director of Bob Hope Village, expressed pride in Howard's work and called her a "cherished member" of the community. She said, "Her commitment and generosity uplift everyone around her, and she makes a profound impact on our community's spirit and well-being.”

When not volunteering, Howard enjoys creating greeting cards and giving them to residents and staff.

“Her enthusiasm for volunteering is infectious. She is a natural leader with a heart of gold and a passion for helping others,” Dominguez added. “Many people would become bored volunteering for the same organization year after year and day after day, but Helga brings renewed enthusiasm to each season's event planning with her positive, can-do attitude.”

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: 'A natural leader with a heart of gold': Air Force Enlisted Village resident is top volunteer