By STEVE SCHULWITZ

News Staff Writer

It takes a special kind of person to donate their time to benefit or help others. At the Alpena Senior Center there is a lady who has dedicated a great portion of her life into public service.

Alice Naggy is 89 years old and assists the staff at the center by selling meal tickets, organizing dances and providing assistance at bingo. In many cases Naggy is providing her help to people who are younger than she is. She also said it is those same people who has kept her coming back for the last five years.

"I love the people and I like to help people," Naggy said. "I've always been a volunteer ever since we were in Detroit. I was part of a big project with Hawthorn Center that worked with mentally handicapped. I have just always liked doing it."

Naggy's day begins somewhat early. Even though she doesn't have to be to the senior center until the afternoon, she has a hard time sitting still.

"I live in an apartment next door and I get up about 8:30 in the morning," Naggy said. "I socialize with people my own age, but I don't feel old, even though I know that I am. There is no way I could just sit in that apartment all day long, like so many others. I have to do something and what I do at the senior center is really nice."

The staff at the facility does special things to show their appreciation for her. Naggy said she appreciates their thanks, but none is really needed.

" The kitchen staff really spoils me," Naggy said. "And another staff member gave me cookies four days in a row. I don't do this for me though. I have never done it for myself. I get more pleasure giving than receiving. I do it for the people."

Over the course of her five years serving the seniors of Alpena, she has had friends die more than once. She finds a way to deal with the grief, but said she realizes the reality of the situation.

"I like most people and when one of them dies it is very very hard on me. It's not easy to cope with," Naggy said. "It doesn't stop me from becoming close to them people though. You know you don't live forever and we have lived our lives."

As her 90th birthday approaches she intends to continuing in her duties at the center. She said there is only one thing that is going to stop her from her volunteer work.

"I'm getting slower than what I used to be, but I'll never quit," Naggy said. "I'm going to keep going this until I drop."

But don't panic if you visit the center and she isn't there as she normally is. Some days she needs to spend time enjoying one of her favorite hobbies - watching sports.

"I love to watch the Tigers and the Red Wings," Naggy said. "I have always loved sports. The Tigers have had a good year, but when hockey is on I don't make any plans for that day."