First Posted: 4/6/2015
LIMA — After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Betsy Potts wanted to serve other veterans like her.
The Lima Exchange Club presented the Book of Golden Deeds award to Potts on Monday. The award represents a community volunteer who has contributed time and talent to the community, but either does not or has not received recognition.
The Book of Golden Deeds, is a “long-running program from the Lima Exchange Club,” said Diane Bishop, former president and chairwoman of the Exchange Club. The award is given out annually.
The co-director of the Veterans Food Pantry, Potts served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1972.
Involved in many other veteran-related organizations such as the Allen County Veterans Council, Daughters of Union Veterans, Marine Corps League and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Potts said it’s something that is close to her heart.
Karen Sommer, member of the Lima Exchange Club and Lima Public Library, nominated Potts in the early stages of the nomination process.
“My first thought was, ‘oh yay!’ Then my next thought was that ‘Oh, Betsy is so deserving,’” she said.
“Betsy never misses an opportunity to promote a cause that she’s working for,” Sommers said. “She’s always kind, always willing to extend a helping hand to others and she is very much deserving of the Lima Exchange Club award.”
Before the luncheon, Potts thought she had only been nominated.
“I am just so shocked. That’s a great honor. … I’m just overwhelmed,” she said.
Potts said she volunteers about 20 hours per week of her time toward the Veterans Food Pantry, but gives a total of 30 hours per week, including the other organizations.
“My husband will get up in the morning and say, ‘Well, where are you going today?’” Potts said.
Potts was also given $100 to donate to a charity of her choice, which she will give to the Veterans Food Pantry. Potts said though the pantry receives many donations from the West Ohio Food Bank, there are still some canned items that are needed.
