Volunteer Spotlight: Bruce and Carolyn
As self-proclaimed “proud Hokies,” Bruce and Carolyn Miller truly embody their alma mater’s motto.
They, along with their two children, Brent and Elizabeth Ann (also Hokies – with Elizabeth Ann being the 7th in their extended family to attend Virginia Tech), are deeply committed to community service and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
For seven years, the Millers created and managed the Deltaville 5K & Kids Fun Run, raising over $70K for the community. Bruce’s family has lived in Deltaville for many generations, and the Millers wanted to give back to the place they love.
Bruce’s Deltaville family home happens to be across the street from the home of Better2gether co-founder and Executive Director, Stephanie Becker’s family. Bruce has known Stephanie since she was a baby, and their parents continue to be close friends.
When Better2gether was formed, Bruce and Carolyn jumped into action by volunteering to help create and manage its first 5K event. Each year, this event has grown. And each year, Bruce and Carolyn have given their time, passion, and energy to help make it a success.
“I got involved with Better2gether to start a 5K as a fundraiser, and to create awareness of the organization, as well as to create a family friendly event,” Carolyn says. “I have a heart for those in need, and my knowledge of how to create a successful 5K seemed like a good fit.”
This year’s 5K event will be the biggest one yet. The Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K and Kid’s Fun Run will be held on Saturday, October 29, and the Millers will be there. They will primarily focus on all aspects of the West Creek Parkway racecourse. “Bruce and I work together to make the race an efficient, enjoyable experience for all,” she shares.
In addition to their working with Better2gether, Carolyn has also been a long-time volunteer at the Gayton Baptist Church Food Pantry. “I became involved in our Church’s Food Pantry, and I saw the need to help others,” she explains. “From there, my volunteering just continued; and my consistent desire to help others grew.”
When Carolyn reflected on the work of Better2gether and the work of her Church’s Food Pantry, she soon recognized the value of them joining forces. She helped create a partnership between B2G and the Gayton Baptist Church Care Ministries, and now the Care Ministries works with Better2gether to provide families experiencing financial need with food and other essentials.
While the Millers do so much for so many, they say they’re the ones who feel rewarded. “I really enjoy the relationships formed and seeing a smile on someone’s face, Carolyn shares. “I always say after a Food Pantry day, ‘A tired Tuesday is a good Tuesday!”
“The personal value and rewards are above none,” she adds. “Volunteering provides me with a different perspective on life that I might not see otherwise. I believe this is a calling from God; and doing a little piece of His work is an honor.”
The Miller family feels fortunate and blessed for the opportunity to make a difference. Carolyn shares, “We collectively are living together on this planet, and we should support each other.”
