Faces of the Valley: Disabilities don't deter Apollo man from volunteering
Terry Simmers likes to bring the fun to his volunteer job at St. Vincent de Paul in Apollo.
Simmers, 48, began volunteering at the Catholic-based thrift store in 2016.
“I enjoy doing what I do because helping others out gives me a great feeling, knowing that I’m important to the community for the effort I put in,” Simmers said.
Simmers seems to always have a smile on his face and a hug readily available for his fellow volunteers.
“Can I give you a hug?” Simmers asked of a volunteer during a recent shift, resulting in a big hug.
For Simmers, volunteering four days is a part of his weekly routine.
He can walk to St. Vincent de Paul since he lives across the street.
“My favorite thing about volunteering is giving back to the community,” Simmers said.
Simmers is light on his feet and keeps busy throughout the store, said Terry Trinclisti, St. Vincent de Paul’s board president.
“He’s a wonderful helper, always enthusiastic,” she said.
Simmers’ primary responsibilities include pricing donated items, hanging clothes, greeting customers and handling incoming donations from the public.
“Terry has a little bit of a disability, but he’s really a joy to work with,” Trinclisti said.
Simmers is the son of Gretchen Myers of Parks Township.
His brother is Brian Simmers of Apollo.
“My mom thinks my volunteering is good for me because it gives me stability and it’s part of my recovery. I’m not addicted to anything, but it’s good for my disability. I’m physically disabled and I have ADHD and ADD, and it helps take my mind off of my troubles,” Terry Simmers said.
Simmers graduated from Apollo-Ridge High School in 1993.
“In high school, I graduated from the Alpha Program because I was having problems with my schoolwork,” Simmers said.
St. Vincent de Paul originally opened in Leechburg about 18 years ago and relocated to Apollo about a decade ago.
Simmers is one of 60 volunteers at the Apollo location.
“Terry is a valuable volunteer,” Trinclisti said.
In addition to St. Vincent, Simmers volunteers at the Apollo Volunteer Fire Department No. 2, helping with bingo and other activities.
“I plan to keep on volunteering,” he said.
When Simmers is not helping others, he loves to dote on his beloved cat, Sunshine, play video games and listen to contemporary Christian music.
St. Vincent de Paul is at 120 North Plaza in Apollo.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.