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Spirit of Volunteerism

Samson’s Strickland Encourages Other Older Adults To Give Back

Kate Strickland poses with her family during the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award presentation. From left are great-grandson Bregan Flanery, granddaughter Michelle Flanery, daughter Barbara Simmons, holding Strickland’s great-great-grandson Maverick Wallace, and Strickland.

Volunteering helped Kate Strickland navigate the new path her life took when she lost her husband in 2001.

“When my husband died, I was lost,” she says. “God opened doors for me, and I just enjoy helping people.”

Strickland joined the local senior center and began helping wherever she saw a need.

“I’ve always been where if I’ve seen something that needed to be done, I just did it,” Strickland says. “I love to help people.”

Raised in Piney Grove, just 3 miles north of Samson, Strickland loves giving back to her hometown. She’s a regular fixture and volunteer at the Samson Senior Center. A display of photos at the center shows off Strickland’s 2019 Alabama Volunteer of the Year award and her induction into the Alabama Senior Center Hall of Fame.

Strickland was recently recognized as 1 of the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass, an honor made possible through a partnership between Wiregrass Electric Cooperative and WTVY. Each month, a Wiregrass resident is recognized for giving back to the community and helping others. Winners receive a $1,000 award.

“Every community needs people like Kate Strickland,” says WEC Vice President of Member Services and Communication Stevie Sauls. “She gives so much back, and we can all learn from her example of volunteerism and helping others.”

Strickland volunteers with the city and her church, Piney Grove Community Church. She serves with the ladies auxiliary at the Samson Memorial American Legion Post and helps in the kitchen during the post’s dances.

WTVY General Manager Valerie Russell, left, and Sauls present Strickland with her Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass plaque.

“I volunteer every Friday night at the dance in Samson — when I’m not dancing,” Strickland says.

Along with gardening and spending time with her family, volunteering helps her keep busy and active. Strickland encourages other older adults to be active in their communities and help when they can.

Strickland plans to use the money from her Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award to do something for the seniors in Samson.

“I want to show my appreciation for the city of Samson,” she says. “I love my hometown.”