he engages them in conversation, tallies their bill, and takes their cash.

But, for those who know Pat Whitehead, it’s abundantly clear she’s much more than just the cashier on bingo night Thursdays at the Franklin Township Fire Company.

In addition to those duties, Whitehead contributes her time to help set up the kitchen, offers input on various questions, and of course, socializes with attendees.

“I help with the kitchen, work events,” Whitehead said. “We have a lot of good workers; we work as a team,”

Whitehead said she’s volunteered with the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary for the past 12 years.

“It’s to keep the fire company going,” she said. “They need equipment, and we try to get them the extras.”

Whitehead explained why she volunteers.

“It makes me feel good when things go good for us,” she said. “I just enjoy doing it.”

Respect from her peers

Simply put, Whitehead is a “great volunteer,” according to Chris Lilly, president, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.

“She helps our buyer with purchasing, is a member of the trustee board and donates (a) lot of time and homemade dishes to the fire company,” Lilly said. “She helps with the boot drive, supplies items for many of our basket raffles, and coordinates volunteers for the kitchen and various events.”

Above all else, Lilly said Whitehead recognizes the importance of her contributions.

“She’s our cashier (faithfully) for a great many events - almost every one - including bingo,” she said. “And I think the thing she enjoys most is being with people, while knowing she’s supporting a worthwhile cause.”

A lifelong commitment To hear Whitehead tell it, volunteering is something that has always come natural to her.

“I’ve been volunteering my whole life,” she said. “I’ve just always volunteered.”

With her outgoing personality, it’s evident bingo and Whitehead are a match made in heaven.

“I’m very social,” she said. “I enjoy doing it.”

Originally from Jim Thorpe, Whitehead said she previously worked at a factory in Jim Thorpe for 36 years, and then at the White Haven Center (state center) for 14 years.

She has a daughter, Cathy, who is the wife of township fire Chief Lynn Diehl; a son Thomas Whitehead, and his wife Lisa, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Whitehead said she wishes more people would volunteer their time, as she believes they would find that they may actually like it.

“I think if they would try it, they would enjoy it,” she said. “I tell them to find what they like to do, and are able to do.”

Whitehead said it’s important for people to volunteer, and added the fire company could use as many helpers as possible.

“We need people for all aspects; it has to be something you want to do,” she said. “You’re going to get satisfaction.”

The Neighborhood Spotlight is a monthly feature that focuses on people who help in the community. To nominate someone, send an email to tneditor@tnonline.com