COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An 80-year-old former data entry employee of the state still goes to work every day to input information and love into the imaginations of children.
"She transforms the waiting area into an environment that provides an educational experience and sets the tone for the whole visit to the doctor's office," said Claudia Barrett, of Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Four days each week, for five hours each, you'll find Minnie Wilson in the waiting room at the Children's Hospital Primary Care Center on the city's west side.
Most volunteers give an hour or two each week, but Wilson has given more than 2,400 hours to be the reassuring and inspiring voice to children, engaging them in the world of popular storybooks.
"They give me energy. I love to see their smiling face(s)," Wilson said.
Following retirement from a state job seven years ago, Wilson spent several years as a foster parent before making the commitment to read to children. Living alone and staying home was never part of her plan.
"I'm not geared to that. (I need) to be active and help out people -- young and adults, to see the inspiration I give and they give back to me," Wilson said.
At 80 years old, Wilson was named the 2009 Firstlink Foster Grandparent of the Year.
Wilson said she has no plans to close the book on a life of service.
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