Bob Sanders of Piedmont is 2012 Andrus Award Recipient

The AARP Missouri Andrus Award for Community Service 2012 honoree is Bob Sanders of Piedmont. Recipients of the prestigious award are honored for sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.

Nominated by three individuals, Sanders is currently president of Wayne County AARP Chapter #1270 and is a Community Advocate in Congressional District 8. “If a volunteer is needed, Bob Sanders is the first to step up and lend a hand,” stated nominator Ilena Aslin, AARP Missouri Executive Council member. “Many of the things are not noticed by the average person because Bob quietly does projects.” Aslin shared that Sanders was recently late to an AARP District 8 Team meeting because he was repairing the roof and cleaning gutters for an elderly lady in Piedmont.

Involved in his church, Sanders serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. “When something goes wrong, they call Bob,” said a nominator. Sanders recently worked two days on an electrical project at the church. It was shared that Sanders is a retired lineman whose knowledge of all things electrical is very helpful to many in the community.

Serving a second term as the AARP chapter president, Sanders represents the organization at community functions where he shares information – either collectively or one-on-one – about topics including consumer fraud, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “AARP is always well represented in our community, thanks to Bob,” reported Aslin.

Sanders volunteerism and humanitarian exploits are legend in the Piedmont area. Here are some examples:

• Founder of “Share the Blessings,” provides free dinners to the elderly, but has expanded to those in need on Thanksgiving, no matter their age or income,
• With the help of wife Geri, Christmas at the AARP Building is staged for families that fall through the cracks and need help with food, clothes, and gifts,
• During area disasters, like floods, has prepared meals to honor the Piedmont police, EMTs, fire fighters, and other volunteers.

Wearing his AARP hat, Sanders has kicked off the Home Fit program, Staying Sharp project, and You’ve Earned a Say national conversation that was held in Cape Girardeau. According the Aslin, he has also been an active participant in the annual Chapter Leadership training, District round tables, and annual senior celebrations.

“Bob’s work has supported AARP’s vision by showing that one person can make a difference,” said May. “By giving a helping hand, he encourages other people to get involved.”

Congratulations to Bob Sanders for the many contributions he makes to those in his community and to AARP.