Created: 4/21/2009 11:03:41 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Dorothy Thomas has been retired for years, but for this octogenarian, volunteering has become a full-time job.
This Eastside resident donates her time just about every day of the week.
Through the city of Jacksonville's Foster Grandparents program, Ms. Thomas is a regular at Long Branch Elementary where she works with special needs students. Thanks in large part to the help she provides to these children, most of them are able to move on to the next grade level.
"Grandma Thomas" is also involved with Kairos, an organization that provides Christian support for women who have either been incarcerated or have relatives who are incarcerated.
She also volunteers at Camp St. Elizabeth which is a camp for children who have incarcerated parents.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Dorothy Thomas is that she doesn't have her own transportation, but that doesn't stop her from making a difference in the community. Between public transportation and receiving rides from others, Dorothy is able to get to where she needs to be, and then after she arrives at her destination, that is when she shows why she is one of our 12 who care.
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