Ray and Ruth Saxton have both been chosen as the adult Community Heroes for March 2005.Terri Mercer, executive director of First Step Family Violence Intervention Center, nominated the Saxtons, who have volunteered their service to the facility for more than 20 years.On Tuesday evenings for the past two years, the pair travels to Bowling Green to pick up the Panera Bread donation for the shelter in all weather, as well as providing transportation for First Step’s clients helping them get to appointments or to obtain emergency shelter.Ray and Ruth also participate in First Step’s fund-raising efforts.“Both Ray and Ruth are exude joy and caring,” Mercer remarked. “They always have a smile and words of encouragement and hope.” Both are employed at Meijer, and in their free time enjoy bird watching. Ray, a volunteer for Heartland Hospice, also enjoys walking and fishing, while Ruth’s hobbies include gardening and reading. The Saxtons said their reward for their volunteer efforts lies in the satisfaction of knowing they have helped someone.“We have been blessed,” the couple stated. “It is an opportunity to give back.” The Saxtons have two sons and three grandchildren. The youth Community Hero for the month, Madison Geroski, was nominated by Julie Bulkowski of St. Wendelin High School for her many school and community activities. |