Name: Leslie Atwood Smith

Title: Waffle Shop volunteer at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Describe what you do and for how long: I began as a volunteer waitress. My family and I had recently moved back to Memphis and were new to the parish. It was a great way to get to know other members of the church. I really looked forward to sharing lunch after all the customers were served. Several years after mixing up many orders, I was approached by Carol Gardner and Rev. Doug Bailey (former rector of Calvary) to attempt to follow in Carol's shoes as co-coordinator of the dining room volunteers. Who could say no? So, for about the last eight years or so, I have coordinated the volunteers both from other churches and agencies and from Calvary.

I volunteer because that is what one is supposed to do. I have been blessed with so much. It is a great feeling to be able to give a little bit to others.

What is the best advice you have ever gotten? The soundest and most enduring advice given has been to put God first, then family and friends, then work.

What inspires you? Things that inspire me are things I have observed in the lives of other people. The quiet, consistent commitment of my husband and his work; the positive, persistent attitude of my parents; the ongoing and strengthening faith of those who endure great loss such as the illness or death of a loved one; the steadfast commitment of Christine Todd, who helps run the Community Breakfast for the homeless every Sunday morning of the year.

I especially love to see older folks, like Dana Sue and Margaret Weakley, who makes waffles at the Waffle Shop every day, continue to live their lives fully and with joy. I am also inspired by my children and their enthusiasm and passion for things in which they are interested.

People may be surprised that ... I can be loud and obnoxious at sporting events, especially at basketball and football games. I have to be careful not to fully damage my dad's hearing. I also like to be outdoors and work in the garden -- I really like to weed.

-- Compiled by Emily Adams Keplinger