A Riverside resident has been volunteering for over a decade for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

Sheila Gerot is being recognized for her 10 years of service with a Governor’s Volunteer Award on October 27 in Ottumwa. Gerot’s volunteering involves interacting with people nearing retirement, giving them information on Medicare and other insurance options.

It’s the sigh of relief from people Gerot meets with that is rewarding, “When people come in they’re usually very confused. When you’re getting close to 65 you get all kinds of mail from insurance companies. People don’t understand what it is and what they’re talking about. My goal is when they leave they know what they’re doing and they understand the mail that they’ve been getting.”

Though it is nice to receive the recognition, Gerot would volunteer regardless. Gerot encourages those from all walks of life to volunteer for SHIIP.