His Deeds Don’t Go Unnoticed

Many people volunteer when it’s convenient. Not Fred Blount. Every day, he shows up at the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton to help answer phones and lead kids in games.

And it doesn’t matter that Blount, 26, uses a wheelchair and doesn’t drive. He takes the bus to get there.

For his dedication, Blount recently was named the countywide Boys and Girls Club Volunteer of the Year. He will be honored at a ceremony in July during the major league baseball All-Star game in Denver.

“A lot of times people who can drive themselves don’t show up,” said Neal Hopkins, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton. “Rain or shine, he never misses. It’s the reason we submitted his name.”

Blount started volunteering at the Stanton club when he was 12 and has dedicated about 40 hours a week since then. He said he enjoys working with kids and watching them grow.

Blount, who lives in Garden Grove, was born with a spinal defect that prevents him from using his legs. He joined the club as a child and said he never forgot how welcome he felt there.

“Being a member made me appreciate what they did for me, so I wanted to give back,” Blount said. “They gave me a positive attitude toward life.”