At least one day a week on average - and more often when they go out of town for a while - you can find Charlotte and Sonny Scholz sorting sheets, towels and other related goods at the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s thrift store on 4th Street Southeast. There’s even a nickname for the couple: the Linen Ladies, which Herb “Sonny” Scholz, a retired General Electric worker, takes very much in stride. The Scholzes have been volunteer sorters at the thrift store for the past two years.

Charlotte also pitches in at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop in southwest Roanoke County. “I’m a cancer survivor so I got involved with that,” says Charlotte, who is 63. Sonny has rebounded from a major heart attack and abdominal surgery in recent years and appears very fit at age 70. Both are active at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and they visit family members (three children, five grandkids) that live in Roanoke and out of town in their spare time.

They also try to make use of a timeshare condo in Myrtle Beach at least 5 times every year. None of that gets in the way of giving back to others in need: “We’ve been involved on a volunteer basis for quite a few years, even while we were working,” says Sonny, who also held Boy Scout posts when his children were younger. “It’s kind of a lifelong thing.”

The Scholzes see their work at the Rescue Mission as extremely worthwhile. The thrift store sells donated merchandise (including some new items and well-kept used merchandise) that generates money for the shelter across the street. Meals, a place to eat and counseling services make the Rescue Mission a regional hub for those in need of a helping hand.

“It’s a thing of giving back - we’re very blessed in our family. We have a lot to be thankful for,” says Charlotte. Other family members occasionally get involved with the couple; her brother and his wife help sort linens. These days they all keep a sharp eye out for items suitable for use at the new Women & Children’s Center going up across the street.

“The work Sonny and Charlotte do goes beyond sorting linens or folding sheets. We can count on them to be here,” says director of development Lee Clark. “They are always smiling, giving encouragement to people who are seeking help. And when they are here, they get the job done. We are grateful for Sonny and Charlotte and the 3,600 other volunteers who give so much back to this community.”

The Scholzes also spend time every month at Art on a Mission, a more upscale Tanglewood Mall store that raises money for the shelter. “It’s a good feeling [to volunteer]. We’ve been involved throughout our marriage,” says Sonny. If more people - retired, working or otherwise - would donate their time, even on a limited basis, “it’s a good idea.” Charlotte stresses that volunteering - even to do something as mundane as sorting linens - can be fun.

She also credits the friendly staff at the Rescue Mission for making the hours there enjoyable, along with residents that spend time working at the thrift store as part of a recovery process.

“They’re all just super people - it’s just a nice atmosphere.” Sonny calls it a blessing that the Mission not only provides a bed and meals but programs that help rehabilitate those in need.

“Everybody has rough patches. Some of us get through them better than others. Some of us crash and burn - some of us don’t. We’ve been real fortunate.”

The Scholzes have even been invited to graduation ceremonies when people at the Mission complete substance abuse recovery programs, ready to face the real world again. “You can volunteer at some places that [aren’t pleasant], but here it’s just fun,” Charlotte concludes. Her advice to seniors and anyone else that has contemplated giving time to various charities: “Just call and ask. Plus [local newspapers] list volunteer opportunities all the time. You can just do an hour or so a week.” Those hours add up for Charlotte and Sonny Scholz - but they don’t seem to mind.

Thinking about volunteering? Please call Helen Kerrigan at 540-777-7651.

Gene Marrano is a Roanoke-based freelance writer.

More Volunteer Opportunities

LOA needs VICAP helpers

The LOA Area Agency on Aging’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistant Program (VICAP) is open to adult Virginians of every walk of life who are interested in becoming members of the VICAP Volunteer Team of outstanding men and women. Since its inception in 1993, VICAP - with the help of its network of volunteers - has provided professional counseling and assistance to thousands of Virginians aged 60 and older.

VICAP counselors are specially trained to assist clients with Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, claims-filing and decision-making about long-term care and Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance policies. Volunteers regularly provide telephone and face-to-face counseling.

For more information about VICAP volunteer opportunities, please contact Shannon Abell, VICAP Project Coordinator and Director of Senior Resources at the LOA, at 540-345-0451.
LOA is a local private non-profit organization serving Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke Counties and the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem. Our mission is to help older persons remain independent for as long as possible.

Other needs

Mill Mountain Theater needs help maintaining lending library collection; call 343-5737.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra can use persons for planning committees for special events; call Joe Cobb at 343-6221.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Roanoke Valley needs tutors, elementary to middle school, to help with core programs on leadership, education and career development; call Ashlea Hitchcock at 985-8600.

Comments or questions? E-mail to comments@primeliving.net.