Margaret Smith lends support to Delhi Public School
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Margaret Smith has loved children for as long as she can remember.
When she was three years old her aunt gave birth to her baby cousin. She still remembers the first time she held the infant.
“When my aunt gave me that bottle, that was it for me – it was always children,” she recalled.
For decades, Smith babysat hundreds of children in Delhi.
“I love children,” said the 88-year-old.
She also volunteers twice a week at Delhi Public School, helping kindergarten and Grade 1 students learn to read, giving children the extra attention they may need.
Over the years, she has helped hundreds of children.
“The teacher doesn't always have the time,” she said. “The children are relaxed. I laugh with them and they're relaxed.”
While she may not have any children or great-grandchildren at the school, she hopes to continue helping the area youth for as long as she is able.
“Everyone has their talent,” she said. “Children – that seems to be mine.”
Before volunteering at the school, she read to children at the library.
Aside from her work with area children, Smith is an active volunteer at her church, St. Alban's Anglican Church. She assists wherever she is needed while preparing for their fundraisers.
She also taught Sunday school at the church for more than 30 years.
“I taught two generations at Sunday school,” she said.
Smith is known for her caring and helpful attitude.
“It's just little every day things that you do,” she said. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
She has left a lasting impression on the people in her life.
“What makes Marg so special is she isn't trying to be special, it comes natural. She has no idea how important she is to so many people,” said Jennifer Smit, who was babysat by Smith as a child and continues to be a close friend.
The Delhi News-Record is looking to highlight the people that make our town special. If you know someone who spends countless hours volunteering, is a unique artist or does something for the betterment of others, we want to hear about them.
To nominate someone for a featured article in the News-Record send a write up detailing what makes them special to sarah.doktor@sunmedia.ca. Nominations will also be accepted at the News-Record office at 237 Main Street.
Sarah Doktor
519-426-3528 ext. 112
sarah.doktor@sunmedia.ca
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