First Person: Bingo is her game-o

Glenda Null, 54, calls bingo at a senior residence center, Dumpster dives for clothes to donate and makes rounds to homes of the elderly that are unable to leave their homes.

She turned to volunteering after she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and was unable to work.

Bingo: I call bingo once a week at the Senior Residence Center. I love to come out and talk to them. They have such great stories. Just for someone to sit and listen to them means so much to them.

Doing God’s work: I used to do mission work. We went to a village in Mexico to put a roof on a school house. We slept in a truck on a cot. At one point we were held up by these people, some were just kids, with big terrorist guns. We were scared, but being Christians we said “God’s got his handled.” I’ve never faced anything like that but in that moment I trusted God and I was strong.

Pack rat: I’m like a hoarder Dumpster diver. If I see something that is perfectly good, just a little dirty, I’ll get in there and get it. I’ll take them and clean them up and donate them. I’ve lived poorly and I know there is someone that needs it.

Getting old: Getting old in America is the hardest to do. It took me three years to earn  disability status. I’m grateful that I live in America and that I can do that. But there are people who need the help of those around them.

It’s a win-win: I get as much out of volunteering as I put in. I see people and encourage them to go out and help someone. It give me joy to see them happy. When I had to quit working, I decided that if I can’t do that, I’ll volunteer. It’s not just to fulfill me, but to give back to Clovis. Clovis has been good to me and my family.

Biker chick: I used to own a Harley. I actually helped build my own Harley. There was more chrome on it than you could count. My husband at the time wanted it one color but I wanted it Wildcat purple. So I waited until he went to work one day and painted it myself. I rode it all the time, did all the toy runs. I miss it so much. I can’t ride anymore because of my health. I hope to find a good Christian husband with a motorcycle so I can still ride.

Election talk: I’m anxious about the coming days until the election. I’m torn. Part of me wants it to hurry and part of me is too nervous for it. I want to see what’s next. The biggest joy for me is to stand in line and vote. I realize the importance of being Joe the Plumber and standing in line to make my voice heard. My son tells me that I can vote absentee and won’t have to stand in line because of my health issues. But I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

— Compiled by Liliana Castillo