Whiz keeps food bank in order

By Carolyn Arrington
The Cullman Times

July 30, 2007 10:20 am

— Chances are, if you have visited Cullman Caring for Kids or the United Way Food Bank, you’ve met Octavia Franklin, 82. She has been behind the counter helping people since December 2005 but receives no pay. Franklin is a volunteer, and freely gives of her time and effort.
“Octavia is a whiz with files, keeps ours in order. We’d have a real mess on our hands if she wasn’t here,” says Sheila Jester, an employee of the Food Bank.
Franklin is an unassuming lady, hardly one to seek attention, and says, “I have worked all my life. I like to stay active and love being around people.”
A widow of 19 years, Franklin has two sons, one daughter and three grandchildren, as well as three sisters. “My older sister just left Cullman to live in Oklahoma with her daughter and I sure do miss her. We’re a close-knit family, always have been.”
Her first job was at the Federal Reserve Bank in Birmingham. Later she worked for Dr. R.E. Williams for five years, then his brother Dr. Roy Williams until he died. “I like office work, keeping files organized, everything running smoothly.”
In Hartselle she was employed with Dr. Michalski for a number of years, and her last job was five years in the office of her daughter, a dentist. “When my daughter changed careers, I thought I’d retire. Didn’t last long, I got bored and restless.”
“I’m experienced when it comes to office work,” Franklin said, “and when I heard they needed help at the food bank, I told them I wanted to volunteer. I waited on a call, but finally just came on over here, and they put me to work. I’ve been here ever since.”
She has lived in the Good Hope community most of her life, and says she enjoys doing crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp. “I like my daytime soaps too, but I record them on the VCR and can watch those at night.”
“And I’ll let you in on a secret, I love my Gameboy.” She smiles, and says, “When it’s stormy or the power goes out, I fire up the Gameboy and it keeps me from worrying about the weather.”
During the past four years, Franklin said she has made many friends as a volunteer, and praises the employees too. “They’re great folks, and we all care about each other too. Heath Braswell is only 30, but he volunteers here. He comes every day possible, and helps us all so much.”
Dot Guthrie, another employee, says, “Octavia is a special lady, and we keep in touch even when we’re not at work.”
Director Javon Daniels said the food bank couldn’t operate without volunteers, and that he’s been impressed at the dedication Franklin has shown. “We need to recognize that many non-profit agencies just couldn’t make it without our dedicated volunteers. Franklin, and others like her, contribute more than they realize.”
“Yes, volunteering here is fulfilling, just being able to help others. But I have always liked to stay busy, active and enjoy being around people,” Franklin said. “Volunteering is its own reward.”