Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Elmira Atkins, Berks Encore Fleetwood Center Volunteer

By: Julian O’Brien, Berks Encore Marketing Intern

Next up for our Volunteer Spotlight is Elmira Atkins, better known as Ellie. Ellie (73) resides in Topton, PA where she has 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. Ellie has been devoting her time to volunteering for over 10 years now. She started volunteering at the Topton Home before giving her time to the Berks Encore Fleetwood Center for the last 9 years! At the Fleetwood Center, she does a little bit of everything! She preps meals, helps deliver the meals, cleans and collects trash, reads to the daycare kids, and oversees the front desk in the lobby! Terry Becker, Fleetwood Center Manager shared, “Ellie is my right-hand gal here at the Center.  She does anything I ask of her and then some. I really don’t know what I would do without her. But more importantly, she is my friend. Everyone needs an Ellie in their life!”

We asked Ellie why she likes volunteering at Berks Encore. She replied, “I like being around people and so many folks need help which I am able to offer that.” She also says, “In return, Berks Encore has kept me from being alone after my husband died. I don’t like being alone, I enjoy being around others. Ellie is currently retired from factory work where she worked all around in Nazareth, Kutztown, and Topton. Ellie values family as she dropped out of high school in 11th grade to care for her brothers. She also says that her greatest achievements in life are, “My grandchildren and great-grandson.” Some words of advice from Ellie: “Help others when you can. You’re not only helping them, but you are helping yourself.” Berks Encore would like to thank Ellie for her service to local seniors!

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete an online application on our website berksencore.org. For questions about volunteering please contact Michelle Goodhart via email mgoodhart@berksencore.org or phone 610-374-3195 ext. 225.