Woman with strong roots in community is honored for hard work

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - She's used to planting roots, but the strongest roots are the ones that tie her to the community she loves.

Patricia Millard is one of seven women being honored by the YWCA of Greater Lafayette. Millard has been honored as a Woman of Distinction for her community involvement as a Master Gardener and volunteer at the Veterans Home.

But why does she give so much of her time to others? She said it's simple.

"The residents. They all are so appreciative of your time and when I'm outside working in the flower beds they will walk by and tell me how much they appreciate the flowers," Millard said.

The winter doesn't stop Millard from helping others, in fact she spends her days inside helping residents at the Veterans Home.

"In the winter months I do whatever they need in here like transporting people to the eye doctor, the foot doctor,  mending clothes, and sewing on buttons," Millard said.

The West Point native has spent more than 1,400 hours volunteering at the Veterans Home.

Director of Volunteers services Carolyn Johnson said Millard brings more than just her gardening when she visits.

"An infectious smile and a sense of humor that is so engaging and it brings so much joy to not only the residents, but the staff and volunteers," Johnson said.

When she's not at the Veterans Home she spends her time as a Master Gardener, the co-president and chairperson for the Demonstration Garden.

Millard said she was surprised to hear she is being honored as a Woman of Distinction.

"I do it because I like it and like I say it's not work and I think it's a community project that maybe we all should try to do something," Millard said. "I do it because it makes other people happy and it makes me happy."

Millard said she doesn't plan on slowing down any time soon.
  

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