A local man who has assisted the elderly in this community for over 50 years has been named a finalist for the Salute to Senior Service program and now needs the support of Conyers residents to take home the prize for Georgia.

Nominated by his daughter, Therese Smith Owen, Shellie Smith is a humble 81-year-old who continues to serve the elderly who are hospitalized, confined to nursing homes and who are shut-ins to give hope sunshine to those in need.

"I think people should know how humble he is and what serving others is all about," Shellie's daughter said about nominating her father. She said her parents have helped elderly people in the community her entire life, and she specifically remembers her father taking elderly people to and from church twice on Sundays.

The community can support Shellie by voting online between now and April 30 at SalutetoSeniorService.com. State winners are then placed into consideration by a panel of senior care experts who select the national Salute to Senior Service honoree.
Georgia residents are encouraged to cast their vote for the state's Outstanding Senior Volunteer. The recognition is part of the Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network. The program honors the contributions of adults 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service to their favorite causes.

Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners' favorite nonprofit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner's nonprofit charity of choice.

For more information about the Salute to Senior Service program, visit www.salutetoseniorservice.com.