Donna Smith, senior traffic coordinator in Baptist’s Corporate Communications department, recently was named the Corporate Building’s first quarter Service First Champion for consistently displaying what her nominator calls “an angel’s heart.”
For many years, Donna has volunteered at prison ministries, helping offenders believe that change is possible for anyone and challenging them to seek God’s plan or purpose for their lives. She continued volunteering even after a tragic accident claimed the life of her son-in-law, a military veteran, making it necessary for Donna’s daughter and three grandchildren to move in with her for a year.
“It was quite an adjustment for Donna,” her nominator said. “However, Donna just focused on the family and their needs first.”
During that time, Donna and her family sought counseling at the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. The family was so grateful for the help they received, they offered to design Charlie Brown ornaments to help raise money for the grief center to help other children who have suffered a loss.
Recently Donna sent an email to her Corporate Communications teammates asking if anyone needed a vehicle. Her nominator responded because her sister – who had fallen on hard times and was in poor health ‒ needed a car. When her nominator asked how much the car would cost, Donna refused to accept any money for it because she and her daughter wanted the van to be a blessing to someone else.
“I didn’t know what to say, but thank you, thank you and thank you again,” Donna’s nominator said.
“It has truly been a blessing to my family.”