Courtesy Photo Kathy Garant, a former employee of General Telephone Company, has spent many years giving back to her community. A former Zonta Woman of the Year honoree, Garant has given her time to many organizations and said community work is a passion of hers.

ALPENA — With so many volunteer jobs on her resume, people know they can turn to Kathy Garant when they need help.

Garant, 72, is a retired General Telephone Company employee and has given her time to her community in many organizations for many years.

Some of these include being past president of the Hospital Auxiliary, being a chair of the Christmas Tree Ball for 16 years, a past member of Friends Together, and serving on the Alpena Development Council since 1998.

Garant has been volunteering with organizations and in the community since the early 80s. She said helping in the community is something she’s passionate about.

“Community work has always been my passion,” Garant said. “I’m retired from General Telephone Company. And I’ve met a lot of new friends I otherwise would have never known. So it’s, I guess it’s my passion.”

Currently she is only on two boards: the hospital board and she’s the secretary of the Long Lake Association, where she lives in the summer.

In 2010, Garant was recognized for her work as she was named the Zonta Woman of the Year. an accomplishment she’s very proud of.

Zonta Woman of the Year is given to a woman who “who’s made a contribution in the community and who have gone along and been a good example to empower women,” Garant said.

During her time with General Telephone Company, the company hosted many events Garant was involved with, including blood drives.

“In Alpena, yes, and when I worked for General Telephone Company we had different activities we would sponsor blood drives and different events and, of course, I was always involved in that,” Garant said.

Garant says it’s everyone’s responsibility to help out in their community and that’s what drives her to keep doing what she’s doing. She’s also met a lot of friends along the way.

“Well, I think it’s everyone’s responsibility to build a strong community and I like being involved,” Garant said. “I like helping organizations out and I like the friends I’ve met along the way.”

Along those lines, she encourages people to volunteer in their community.

“Oh absolutely,” Garant said. “Like I said, it’s everyone’s responsibility to build a strong community and I get upset when I hear people say there’s nothing to do in our community. Because for a small community I think we do a phenomenal job. I mean the things are there but you have to get involved and engaged.”

Garant has been married to her husband for 59 years and, although she doesn’t have any children herself, she has a Siamese cat she rescued.

She said she works for Huron Humane Society, helping out with events like the Human Society’s annual gala as well as fundraisers and bottle drives. She said she collects all her empty bottles and takes them to the Humane Society.

She said she doesn’t help inside, however.

“I don’t go in and play with the animals because I’d probably have 20 cats,” Garant said jokingly.

Garant is self motivated and there was only one time where she had to receive an invite to be a part of a board. The organization sends out invites because they “want to make sure the people who get on are going to do what they say they’re going to do,” Garant said.

Garant said the best part of volunteering is the satisfaction of helping people.

“Oh it’s self satisfaction I think,” Garant said. “It keeps me motivated, it keeps me up and going. Like I said, you meet new friends, new opportunities and I’m the type of person that has to be busy and I love it.”

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Difference Makers is a weekly series that profiles Northeast Michigan residents who do extraordinary things to improve their communities and the lives of others in ways that include volunteering and their professional work.

If you know a local difference maker, please contact Alyssa Ochss at 989-358-5680 or aochss@thealpenanews.com.