Ways to Give Back: Crystal River Resident Honored with Top AARP Award

AARP Florida has presented Crystal River resident Ruth Levins with its 2012 Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization’s top volunteer honor for the year.

In the words of AARP Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the greatest purpose in life for those 50 and older is “to serve, not be served.” With this motto in mind, AARP Florida honors one outstanding individual each year with the State Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP’s most distinguished award for volunteerism.

Levins, 76, became an active volunteer during her days as a teacher. Upon witnessing the creation of a PTA and volunteer program in her school, Levins realized the importance of volunteering and the empowerment that resulted in those involved.

Since then, Levins has not only donated her time to numerous non-profit and non-partisan organizations, she also writes two weekly columns for the Citrus County Chronicle encouraging volunteerism. In fact, due to Levins’s dedication to volunteerism, she also recently earned the General Federation of Women’s Clubs 2012 50-Year Member Award.

The AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service symbolizes an individual’s power to make a positive difference in the lives of others through volunteerism, an act that AARP has always valued. The award was formally presented to Levins on Oct. 14 at the Crystal River Women’s Club in Crystal River. According to Levins, volunteerism sustains her purpose in life.

The Andrus Award for Community Service is awarded to those who greatly enhance the lives of others, aged 50 and above. Honorees must be 50 years or older and the achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must have been completed without pay and must reflect AARP’s vision and mission. Beginning in 2002, this annual award honors those who make a valuable contribution to our society.