People You Should Know - Linda Presley

A Volunteer is an Everyday Philanthropist

Linda Presley wants you to know that the old adage is true: One person can make a difference. Through local volunteer opportunities, you can dramatically impact the lives of countless individuals including yourself.

Presley is not a billionaire with extra time on her hands. She’s not the head of non-profit whose job includes recruiting volunteers. She doesn’t give huge sums of money to charity. In fact, she believes that philanthropy is all about giving what you can. For most, like Presley, that doesn’t mean large financial contributions. It means contributions of time.

A senior personal banker with locally owned Worthington Federal Bank, Presley, is an active community volunteer, thinking of herself as an “everyday philanthropist”. She’s volunteered most all of her life, first as a Girl Scout and as a student government member in high school.

Presley’s volunteer engagements have grown steadily since moving to Huntsville in 1988. But she’s quick to point out she started with simple, one day commitments like CASA Gardens, many being walks for organizations like the Heart Association, ALS, March of Dimes, Diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. As well as working several United Way campaigns.

Presley’s volunteer commitments have grown over the years. She’s served on a variety of boards as chair and treasurer, as well as held different committee chairs. One organization that is extremely special to Presley is the Family Services Center. She’s been involved with Family Services Center for almost 10 years as a board member and is currently board chair.

Also an active member of the Optimist Club for five years, Presley has served as club president and lieutenant governor. She currently serves on a joint committee with other local Optimist Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and the City of Huntsville to raise funds and build a special needs playground called everyBody can play, a park for all ages and abilities.

Every day brings countless volunteer opportunities. Presley has a few of them covered but hopes we can build a community full of everyday philanthropists. It is so simple to get involved. Just giving an hour of time here and there can have a huge impact on our community.