The CAPTAIN CHS Senior Services, Care Links Volunteer of the Year, honors an individual who best exemplifies the passion and heart of the mission of Care Links in their spirit of volunteerism. This award is the highest honor a volunteer can achieve within the Senior Services Program, which means that they have made a significant contribution to the Care Receivers and the program as a whole. This volunteer has worked in multiple roles alongside fellow team members and staff, providing support to the many services that the Care Links program offers. In short, they have exemplified the Care Links mission, and we are proud to honor Mrs. Linda Collet.
Linda is the wife of Chris Collet and mother to Jennifer and Rachel. She is a resident of Clifton Park and a retiree of the Office of the State Comptroller, spending 32 years auditing financial data of local governments. She and her family enjoy traveling to many places, especially if there is a beach involved! Linda also enjoys gardening and baking (which many of her care receivers benefit from this passion of hers). Linda has a long history of volunteerism in a variety of settings; from helping in her church, her daughter's school activities, a community garden project, meal ministries and being part of the team that worked on the clean up after Hurricane Irene in Schoharie County.
Over the past five years, Linda has helped numerous care receivers with her visits, shopping errands and assistance with tasks around the home. She enjoys finding ways to engage them in a variety of activities, card and board games and putting puzzles together. Linda is often found working alongside her team members at events and activities. Her commitment, dedication to the mission and organizational skills is shown with her ability to juggle multiple seniors each week with their needs. Linda's quiet, unassuming way does not go unnoticed by her peers and care receivers.
One of her ladies shared, "Linda is kind and considerate. She bakes cookies and muffins for me and even makes some for my daughter. She is caring and always makes me feel special, she calms my fears. Linda helps me to make my bed, read my mail and does my outside gardening. She keeps me up to date on things that are going on in my community by reading my bulletin to me every month. She has a big heart and truly cares about and is concerned about the people she helps."
Linda's participation has led to her being a role model for other volunteers and in the community. We are proud to honor Linda Collect as the Volunteer of the Year and thank her for her contribution to the Care Links program.
