COEUR d'ALENE - Sally Richards appreciated it, but she really didn't want the plaque handed to her Thursday.

She didn't need any fanfare for being Volunteer of the Year for Elderhelp of North Idaho.

"I don't do it for any kind of recognition," she said. "The thanks is what I get from when I give."

But Jerry Boggs and John Corcoran insisted.

Richards, both said, deserved a little applause after six years of being on Elderhelp's board, after six years of helping hundreds of seniors, after six years of caring and just being there.

"There's nobody like her on the board of directors," said Corcoran, Elderhelp board member. "She was the driving force behind a lot of projects for seniors."

Richards and husband Rick are leaving Coeur d'Alene.

In her time here, Richards was a leading advocate for seniors. She either did the work herself, or organized it.

When a Post Falls woman needed a new roof, Richards led the charge that got it done.

When another senior had checks stolen, suffered financial problems and almost lost his home, it was Richards who got involved and set things straight.

If it was a need for furniture, cleaning, raking lawns, shoveling snow from walkways, painting a home or a ride to the doctor, Richards was there.

She has raised money for Elderhelp too, making gift baskets, calling for auction item donations or rounding up golfers.

She has become friends with many seniors, checking on them and making sure they were looked after.

"Lots of seniors need help," she said. "We're only hitting the tip of the iceberg."

Despite the time commitment to Elderhelp, Richards never considered stepping back. There were seniors who relied on the nonprofit for food, for firewood, for a friendly face.

"I believe in it, I stayed with it," she said.

Richards, who has a background in social work and has been involved with the Alzheimer's Association, was a 12-year caregiver for her mother when she was battling dementia. It was that experience that furthered her resolve to be there for seniors, whenever, wherever, she could.

"I felt like I needed do something to honor her," she said.

Boggs, Elderhelp's executive director, praised Richards' spirit and dedication and said she'll be difficult to replace.

Eldership has five board members. It would like eight.

"We need somebody to come in with the willingness and heart like Sally to do this," Boggs said.

If you need help

n Elderhelp of North Idaho is looking for seniors who need free help winterizing their home. This could be caulking, placing plastic over windows and wrapping pipes. It is also looking for a senior who needs a free wheelchair lift installed in their home. Applicants must meet criteria on residency, age and income. Info: 661-8870