SELLERSBURG — Some people truly recognize the value of life and pass on their appreciation to all who cross their paths. This month I was fortunate enough to meet one such individual, Lester Allen.  

Candice Barksdale, chief executive officer for Goodwill BridgePointe Services, Inc., in Clarksville, notified me of Lester’s Extra Miler status, indicating, “Lester is an all-around good guy who is very low key and unassuming.”  

Because Candice was concerned Lester may be ill at ease with the recognition, we decided to surprise him. Our Extra Miler was lured to BridgePointe Goodwill with a fabricated [a much nicer word than lie] story that he was needed for a business meeting.  Several Goodwill BridgePointe staff and a couple of children gathered to thank Lester for giving so much of his talent and time to help their agency.  

Lester was clearly surprised as he walked around the corner and heard the applause and cheers. He nervously shifted his feet as Candice and others described the good work he has accomplished for their agency.  Lester blushed and exclaimed, “I had no idea … I certainly do not deserve all of these kind words.”  There they are — those confirming words that authenticate another true Southern Indiana Extra Miler has been discovered.

Lester Allen is the security and guest services manager at a Clarksville Mall.  His commitment to Goodwill BridgePointe began in 2002, after listening to a representative who spoke at the Clarksville Rotary.  The speaker told of a program called, “Leaders for Readers,” and something about the program clicked with Lester’s desire to help others.  He took the information to his co-workers and staff and several agreed to begin reading to the children at Goodwill BridgePointe.  

Since then, Lester has spent countless hours with the children and when asked how much time he spends a week at the Agency, he responded, “I don't keep count of the hours or even put my time into that perspective.”  Lester added, “I come here when needed and then look for additional ways to help out.”  

Apparently there are many ways volunteers like Lester are needed at the Agency. Candice explains, “After reading to the children one year, Lester decided they needed more reading material, so he researched, applied for and was granted funding to acquire additional books.”

Several of the children in the child-care center have special medical needs and there are several who are from economically challenged families.  Lester said, “One Christmas I realized many of these children may never be given the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, so I brought Santa to them.”  

Santa was so popular that Lester soon added the Easter Bunny to his costume closet. Candice recalled the most recent visit from Lester’s Easter Bunny, “He was in full costume and a special needs child, typically withdrawn and timid, ran up and gently touched the fur on his costume.”  Lester immediately recalled the little girl, “I remember her … she clung to me throughout the entire visit and didn’t want me to leave.”  Candice smiled and concluded, “It was really amazing to see her light up and connect with something like she did that day.”  

Lester’s devotion to the children quickly grew to a commitment to the entire Agency. Every year he spearheads the Agency Holiday Raffle. Lester also volunteers his time to the annual Mardi Gras Bash, a very successful major fundraising event.

Lester steps up to other needs in the community. Recently his office staff read about a Southern Indiana family who had quintuplet babies and they decided to help the family. Lester explained, “We knew they would need help because they were going to be spending a lot of time at the hospital and they would also need assistance when all of the babies were home.” He helps by mowing their lawn; however, he is quick to stress that other employees in the mall office have also stepped up to help the busy family by preparing meals and helping with yard duties. Lester also reads to the children who attend the St. Anthony School in Clarksville and works with the 21st Century Scholarship program in the Clarksville school system.  

Even with all he does for our community, Lester made it very clear that he did not deserve recognition as an Extra Miler.  In fact, earlier in the year, Candice had talked to Lester about joining their Board of Directors and his immediate response was that he didn’t deserve to be on the board because there were others better qualified and more important. Candice persisted and Lester will soon become a member of their Board.  

When asked for his favorite phrase or quote, Lester cited his high school graduation motto, “Not at the top, but climbing.”  He explained, “If you are already at the top or think you are, you are not improving … life is all about growth, change and moving forward.”  

Concluding our interview, I asked Lester what motivates him to give so much of his time to the children. He thoughtfully responded, “Many children don’t have a lot to smile about in their lives, so when I visit and they begin smiling and laughing, it means the world to me.”  Lester tilted his head toward the ground in a humble gesture and added, “They remind me that my problems are very small in comparison.”  

Lester, for the care, love, and pure joy you give to the children of Goodwill BridgePointe and Southern Indiana, we thank you. You are truly a Southern Indiana Extra Miler.  

Tip of the Month:  Look around at the many needs within our community. Try different volunteer efforts until you find the one or two that really fit you and your talents.  Then give back generously — you will be the one to benefit the most. Life is about that climb toward the top — make yours a steep one.  



Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc.  If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, please contact her.  To submit an Extra Miler, a story, or act of kindness, contact Carol via email:  Cdawson@eeoguidance.com, mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring Street Jeffersonville, IN  47130-3340.