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Volunteer Spotlight: No plans to slow down for Sutter crossing guard
Editor's note: This story is on in an occasional series highlighting the many volunteers that make valuable contributions in our schools. Click here for more information on volunteering in Folsom Cordova.
Her name is Wendy Hoffman, and if you’ve had a child at Sutter Middle School within the past 11 years (or were a student yourself,) chances are you know her. Or, at least, her face and bright orange vest.
For more than a decade, Hoffman has served as the volunteer crossing guard. Long after her son (now 22) graduated and she moved to Orangevale.
Not only that, she knows every child’s name, and even their interests.
In fact, one year Hoffman says she drove a girl to school when she learned the eighth grader’s family had fallen on hard times and couldn’t provide transportation.
“It sounds cornball, but we're all related ... we have to be friendly to each other,” she said. “And it starts right here on this corner.”
Still, some may wonder: Why wake up early every morning to fight traffic?
“It just gives my heart – it makes me feel good about myself,” Hoffman said. “Which seems selfish, but it's a win-win.”
The simple reason has kept her coming back, for more than a decade.
“Same as always: Just giving back and feeling good,” she said. “I like to use my energy to help the school district.”
Still, Hoffman is modest. When the Board of Education honored her extraordinary contributions, she did not attend the public recognition.
“It embarrasses me,” she said.
Even so, consider saying thank you to Hoffman when you drive past Riley Street in Folsom.