By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Deloris Millet has a very full plate. The LaPlace resident is attending AP Clay Bible College in Kenner, in addition to volunteering at Twin Oaks Nursing Home. She also visits other nursing facilities and River Parishes Hospital.

But she says it is all a labor of love.

She has been conducting Bible Study Class at Twin Oaks for the past three months, although she is no stranger to the facility. “I used to visit the patients here years ago,” she said. After her own mother’s death six months ago, she felt a calling back to the nursing home.

Although her mother did not reside at Twin Oaks, Millet saw the need. “What pumped me up to come here was my mother,” she said “I felt a need to minister to the elderly.” Activities Director Theresa Brooks was grateful that Millet wanted to be part of the volunteer team at the nursing home. “She received me so graciously,” said Millet.

So did the residents. That was three months ago, and the people at the facility hope she continues for a long time to come. One particular elderly patient, who usually doesn’t take part in many activities, looks forward to her visits each Wednesday. “When Theresa tells her I am coming, she gets very excited,” said Millet. “And when I am leaving, she asks me when I will be back.”

A former substitute teacher, the educator brings many of her skills to the volunteer work arena. She counts patience and gratitude among them.

Coordinating a time schedule to include all priorities is another skill that has served her well. “Finding time between everything (studies, family, volunteer work) is a challenge,” she said. “But I enjoy doing it all.”

That includes spending time with her family – husband Whitney Jr.; daughter Verlancia of Katy, Texas; son Whitney III of LaPlace; and grandchild Andrea Millet.

A member of New Wine Christian Fellowship Church in LaPlace, Millet will receive her doctorate degree in Ministry this month. She plans to continue spreading the work in her own way.

“This (work) makes me feel very fulfilled. It is so rewarding and I feel blessed through this ministry,” she added. “When you volunteer, you realize you are giving something back. When the Lord gives you things, he wants you to give back, and it’s not always money.”

For more information on volunteering at Twin Oaks Nursing Home, call Daitrone Kennedy at 652-9538.