Edith Harvey

While most seniors look forward to spending their golden years resting and relaxing, 94-year old Edith Harvey, known as “Miss Edith,” prefers spending her days preparing meals for fellow seniors and volunteering at the Lawrenceville Housing Authority. In a surprise presentation, volunteer leaders from across the state thanked “Miss Edith” for her dedication to community service and honored her as the 2007 Georgia Volunteer of the Year during the Georgia Summit on Volunteerism.

“Miss Edith is an inspiration to everyone she meets, both our volunteers and the hundreds of seniors we serve,” said Gary Galloway, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Gwinnett County Senior Services. “From the first day she walked through our doors in 1978, we’ve been blessed to have her on our team. Whether it’s making sure that all our seniors have the meals they depend on or offering comfort and support to volunteers and staff. Quite simply, Miss Edith is an inspiration, quietly and humbly leading by example.”

For nearly 30 years, Miss Edith has volunteered three days a week at the Lawrenceville Senior Center, preparing hundreds of meals for other seniors. Gwinnett County Senior Services estimates that Miss Edith has donated more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. Additionally, she spends time volunteering at the Lawrenceville Housing Authority and is an active member of her church choir.

“She sums up the qualities that make up a great volunteer: dedication, enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a genuine desire to serve. She’s an inspiration to us all,” remarks Laurie Grant Nichols, CEO of HandsOn Georgia.