Sam Shapos: a volunteer for life

Volunteers. Can they really make a difference? Sam Shapos thinks they can.

Helping people is a way of life for Shapos. "Back when I was in Baltimore," he laughs, "I was running my own business as a commercial artist and steel-die engraver. People used to line up at my front door every Monday morning--and everyone got something."

Sam Shapos moved to North Port, Florida, 15 years ago. Fourteen years ago, he helped set up a meals-on-wheels program for elderly and handicapped people. Ten years ago, he started a volunteer program to provide free transportation to people needing medical services. Twelve years ago, he was appointed by the city commissioner to run volunteer social services.

Still works as a volunteer

He works 60 hours a week, unpaid. Five years ago, he was given a paid part-time CETA worker who, he says, "became like a right arm." When CETA ran out, the city continued the position, but Shapos took extra steps to keep her around.

"I didn't want to lose her," he laughs, "so I married her 6 months ago." He loves the shock of it, and teases, "I think sometimes it takes a lot of nerve to get married at the age I did--I turn 77 this summer!"

His "right arm," the former Mary Hargraves, gets paid for 20 hours a week, but sticks in there for a full 60 just like Sam. Together, they cover the gamut of volunteer services in North Port, providing help with welfare, food stamps, utility assistance--anything that might help North Port people.

The town has about 8,500 people and is still growing, but it has a lot of homes for rent at cheap prices. As a result, it has attacted a number of people without jobs, mainly women between the ages of 19 and 38 who are divorced or separated and trying to support children. Jons are scarce, says Sam, "but I guess Florida is a magic word."

When people need food stamps, the Shapos help them fill out applications. If they need help getting to the certification office, the Shapos take them there, wait for them, and bring them back home.

The Shapos also distribute free food. "I've got three refrigerators and a freezer to hold food, and I go out personally to raise money and food to fill them up. No one who comes in," Sam says, "no matter what condition, is ever turned away hungry."

Help in other ways as well

If people need rent money, Sam Shapos tries to help them raise it. If people's utilities are threatened, he works with the local companies to guarantee payment and helps set up a payment schedule. If older folks are bedridden and have no one to care for them, Sam helps them find someone to come in.

One of the projects Sam Shapos got off the ground was a proposal to USDA to allow meals-on-wheels programs to accept food stamps--which was approved. "I'm a busy little bee down here," he chuckles.

The only time Sam gets frustrated with his job is if he can't help someone. "But usually," he says, "I find that I can go to my Kiwanis Club at a luncheon, ask if I can get the floor for 2 minues, tell them I have a desperate family, and I get the help I need."

The most important thing in helping people, says Sams, is not what you know. "It's being able to really cry with people, to feel hurt with them. You can't put yourself in their position, but you empathize with them and as long as you do, you're going to do something for them. And that's your job."

COPYRIGHT 1985 U.S. Government Printing Office
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group