2012 Entry

Contest Closed

Bobbie Wakamo

Georgia

Bobbie Wakamo

2012 Winner

Atlanta, GA
Nominated by Jane Howland

Volunteered for:

United Methodist Children's Home
Decatur, GA

Length of Service:

19 years

Hours per Month:

40+

March 13, 2012

Eighty-year-old Bobbie Wakamo can found almost any day of the month rummaging through old clothes and dusty, discarded furniture. Though most of us couldn't think of anything much worse, Bobbie has been doing this for more than 19 years at the United Methodist Children's Home in Decatur, GA. After a lengthy career in nursing, she showed up on a whim one day at the Children's Home to helpé and she hasn't been able to leave yet.

Over the years Bobbie has sorted through donated items such clothing, sports equipment, books, jewelry, shoes, toys, games, furniture and china to determine what can be cleaned up and sold at the Children's Home flea market. Like her job as a nurse and caring for her family, Bobbie has poured her whole self into the inner-workings of the UMCH Auxiliary Flea Market which raises $100,000 each year for items that serve the children and families at the Children's Home. Over the years the Auxiliary has purchased furnishings for cottages, a van for the residential program, tutoring for foster families and group care children, clothes for children, field trips for student and more. The Auxiliary flea market, thanks in part to Bobbie's leadership, is a vital part of the ministry of the Home.

Bobbie now helps oversee the work of 60 volunteers at the Home and even at 80 years old, continues to work tirelessly putting in more than 550 volunteer hours a year. She works just as the Auxiliary's mission statement says, "As we work, we continually remember that we do so as Christians work. We cheerfully, harmoniously and prayerfully serve God, these children, our fellow workers and our community by our labors." That describes Bobbie perfectly.

Bobbie's son, Rob Wakamo, says that although her job requires working under the radar, she likes to be a part of something bigger than her own family and she enjoys the camaraderie with the staff, clients, and the community who come to shop at the flea market, and he calls it a blessing.

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Comments and stories from others

Comments are closed for this entry and all 2012 entries.

  1. March 13, 2012 at 16:14 pm | Posted by joy

    The UMCH Auxillary does so much for the Children's Home. Bobbie's hard work and care for what UMCH mission is admirable. Thank You Bobbie!!!

  2. March 13, 2012 at 16:20 pm | Posted by Denise Peacock

    Bobbie is an incredible worker. Plus, she willingly assists us as staff in opening the Flea Market for us to select items for our clients when in need. In addition, she goes the extra mile by opening for our alumni during their time on our campus! Our clients receive great benefit for the Flea Market as a result of the leadership offered over the years!

  3. March 13, 2012 at 16:27 pm | Posted by Sarah Paxton

    Thank you, Bobbie, for all of your service to us at UMCH. We appreciate you!

  4. March 13, 2012 at 16:36 pm | Posted by Alina Crews

    Bobbie is a tireless worker, she is a blessing to the Children's Home!

  5. March 13, 2012 at 16:43 pm | Posted by Alison

    Bobbie is such a gift to the United Methodist Children's Home. Her work through the Auxillary Flea Market allows more children and families to receive what they need in the difficult times of their lives.

  6. March 13, 2012 at 16:55 pm | Posted by sandy seabury

    Bobbie has been a diligent, hard working volunteer for the United Methodist Children's Home Flea Market for many years. She is always willing to help out with whatever is needed.

  7. March 14, 2012 at 10:26 am | Posted by Debora Burger

    Bobbie is a tireless volunteer for our agency auxiliary. She gives of her time taking in items and sorting through them for our flea market. She has done this for many years. UMCH is better able to serve clients as a result of her efforts and those who work with her. Thank you for your dedication and hard work Bobbie!

  8. March 14, 2012 at 11:15 am | Posted by Julie

    Bobbie is a kind, loyal and dedicated volunteer at UMCH. Even on the hottest days, working in an extremely old and HOT building, she always has a smile and a kind word. She truly cares about the children we serve, as well as her fellow volunteers. We're blessed to have her!

  9. March 14, 2012 at 13:54 pm | Posted by Mary Harris

    We are very blessed to have a volunteer as dedicated as Bobbie at UMCH! She goes the extra mile for staff and clients.

  10. March 14, 2012 at 14:03 pm | Posted by Carol Younger

    I am so grateful for Bobbie's presence on our campus for many reasons. Her steadfast dedication helps the Auxiliary; her perseverence and commitment inspires all of us; her compassion is contagious. In addition to all of these reasons, however, the most compelling for me is what her contribution on our campus teaches our residents about the importance of giving back to others, sharing one's time and life with a generous spirit, and the fact that living out one's faith makes a difference to so many.

  11. March 15, 2012 at 10:28 am | Posted by Jon Milam

    I have worked closely with Bobbie for many years. She has been easy for me to work with — she understands the needs of the children's home and is always willing to accomodate our needs, whenever she is asked. She is tireless in her work for the agency. I have seen her here on weekends. She's also here early in the morning and sometimes late in the day. Kudos to Bobbie W.

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Contest Schedule

State Winners
Announced by:

June 9, 2013

National Winner Announced by:

June 30, 2013

Prize Description

The National Winner will receive a $5,000 donation to a non-profit charity of choice, courtesy of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network.

State Winners will receive a $500 donation to a non-profit charity of choice.

All winners will receive a certificate and a spot in the Wall of Fame here on SaluteToSeniorService.com in recognition of their outstanding service.

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