CSA Finalist: Harriet Raley of Searcy
By: Dave Woodman, KARK 4 CSA Producer
Updated: September 30, 2010
KARK's "4 the Greater Good" campaign includes paying tribute to volunteers around our state, the great people who give of their time, talents, and resources to make life better for their neighbors.
One example is Harriet Raley of Searcy, a woman who is described as a volunteer's volunteer.
"I could spend all day tellin' you about Harriet," says Ruth Williams.
"She has a passion and a drive and she's not like a volunteer that only has one interest. Harriet is very diverse," says Liz Howell with Harding University.
One of Harriet's favorite projects is her service as a regular delegate to Arkansas' Silver-haired Legislature.
"This is my third time, and I find it invigorating, I find it educational, I get to meet with people from all over the state and see that we have the same passion for things. That's why I work with the White River Area Agency on Aging also," Harriet says.
"Well, in addition to being part of the menu committee, they soon recognized her additional skills and made her White River Area Agency on Aging Chairman of the entire Advisory Council," says Executive Director Ed Hass.
Harriet's love for seniors reaches into area nursing homes as well.
"I got to know her because her mother ended up in our facility, and I saw how Harriet attended to her mother so lovingly, so caringly, and then she started lovin' all the other residents in the facility," says Physical Therapist Ruth Williams.
Improving the lifestyles of seniors is not Harriet's only passion. She also loves the students and tradition of Harding University.
"She's involved with the Associated Women of Harding, White River Area Agency on Aging, Greenkeepers Garden Club," says Liz Howell. "Everyone's busy, but yet Harriet says, "I have two, what can I do to help?"
Through the Greenkeepers Garden Club, Harriet helps beautify the Harding campus and her Legion Hut hometown.
"I want to enjoy the places that we have. I want to protect the historical places in Searcy," she says.
Harriet and the Greenkeepers made 600 bows for Harding's 18-thousand-light winter wonderland Christmas display.
"The idea is to get out from ourselves and give something back to the people who have given to us," says Harriet.
Harriet Raley is a finalist for a 2011 Community Service Award, part of KARK's 4 The Greater Good.
Click here to nominate an Arkansas volunteer.
