About Bethel: Crown Point resident with a daughter, Debbie Alspaugh. Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Olivet Nazarene College. Master's degree in early childhood education from Roosevelt University. Learning disabilities endorsement from Purdue University. Retired about 15 years ago from Crown Point Community Schools.

Accomplishments: Bethel Griffin volunteers at St. Anthony Medical Center. She joined the auxiliary five years ago and devotes at least three days a week working in the gift shop. Griffin assists customers, but notes that sometimes it's just a smile and a kind word they need. She listens, consoles and tries to help them through whatever difficult situation they're dealing with. "When you can do something like that, that's the real purpose of being here," she said. "I want to make my life count for something." Griffin helps at fundraisers by assisting employees with their purchases. Most recently she worked at the hospital scrubs and South Bend Chocolate Company sales. Griffin recalls what brought her to volunteering at St. Anthony. "I was feeling terribly worthless sitting at home. It was hard to retire," she said. "I had a teacher friend who worked there and said why don't you volunteer. She liked it there. I followed up on that and have never regretted it. The administration is

wonderful, the employees are wonderful and the people I work with are wonderful. I've made many good friends."

What is most rewarding about volunteering? "The people, meeting with them and talking with them, the friendships I've developed and knowing I've helped somebody. Feeling that I have an influence on someone and I know they have an influence on me."

Personal hero: "Gertrude Ward. She was an elementary school principal in Gary. She took me under her wing when I needed somebody. She did her job but also was there when the children, parents or teachers needed a little extra boost. I saw how much she was helping people as well as doing her administrative job."

Advice: "Try it, give it a whirl. Volunteering certainly has filled a void in my life."

How to get involved: For information on volunteer opportunities at St. Anthony Medical Center call auxiliary president Doris Paluszak at (219) 757-6347.

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent