VOLUNTEERS

Bob DeVille, long-time manager of the Naples Shopping Center's Publix, loved to tell this story. He had a bagboy working for him that was such a joy to encounter that people were constantly trying to give him tips. The bagger, in his seventies, would decline, saying he was well compensated and it was store policy for employees not to except tips. That was mostly true. But not in this man's case.

He'd come to Bob and volunteered to sack groceries or do any other menial job that was open. Said he was retired, a widower, and needed to get out of the house. Didn't want to do anything complicated, just something to keep him busy. Bob, impressed with his sincerity, took him on and never regretted it. The volunteer had a genuine warmth and rapport with folks that soon made him an old friend to all that shopped there.

Bob said he could understand how the man had become a self-made millionaire. Yep, he could've owned the Publix. And he didn't need the tips.

We, at the NPD, were blessed with a number of volunteers, also. I was looking over the list one day when one name jumped out at me. Quinn Tamm. I found Dave Dampier and showed him the name. Dave smiled and said it was who I though it was.

Quinn Tamm had been the Assistant Director of the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover. After retiring, he became Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In law enforcement circles, he was legendary. I told Dave I wanted to talk with Mr Tamm the next time he reported for duty. I could envision a source of wisdom and expertise we could use. Wasn't to be so.

Mr Tamm only wanted something to do, not another career--or anything like it. Make busy work. He finally went to work on our huge card index file that listed, on 4 x 5 cards, every name and event we'd ever dealt with. There were thousands and they were invariably misfiled. And, he worked at it, happily, as his volunteer task.

Next, we'll relate how we found a way to put these volunteers to best use.