Good deeds

Executive director makes sure Samaritan Center lives up to name

The Samaritan Center in Ooltewah offers assistance to people who need help with a range of needs: utility bills, rent, medication payments, food and baby items, for example.

Tony Dahlberg, executive director since 2005, said because of high unemployment providing such aid is increasingly important.

"We believe that now those receiving assistance are those who are most in need," he said. "Also, the amount of assistance that people need when they come in has grown."

The center serves about 4,500 clients annually.

Q: How does someone sign up for help?

A: People either call or stop by.

Q: What's the most memorable case you've seen of a family receiving help?

A: We had one elderly woman who was mowing her neighbors' grass for money, even though she had a heart condition. She had to do that; otherwise she would have to choose between food and medication.

Q: Because of the economy, have donations gone down?

A: No, donations have actually gone up. We think this happens because when people learn that things they have but don't need could go to help a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker or someone in distress, they want to share what they have with others.

Name: Tony Dahlberg.Age: 52.Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.Family: Wife of 30 years, Nina, and three grown children.Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (UTC); Bachelor of Science in Long Term Health Care (Southern Adventist University).Also worked as: Nursing home administrator for 19 years.Last book read: "A God Named Desire," by Ty Gibson.Favorite vacation destination: Daytona and Cocoa Beach, Fla.The one item in your office you couldn't do without: Two things. A stone that was picked up off the road on the way to Jericho, the same road on which the Good Samaritan story took place. Also a framed picture of the old man who is getting ready to eat his humble meal. He's praying over his loaf of bread and giving thanks.Hobbies: Biking, hiking, camping and watersports.

Q: How strongly do you depend on volunteers?

A: There are a lot of skills that our 170-plus volunteers bring to the center that enhance our operation. We would not be the same without them. I also love the opportunity to have student groups come in and volunteer because I think it is important to instill a spirit of service in the next generation.

Q: Where do you get your donations?

A: The community drops them off at our warehouse, which is located directly behind the Samaritan Center. It's primarily people in the eastern third of Hamilton County that live in our service area who are our primary donors.

Q: What is needed most right now?

A: With the warm weather, right now we have a huge need for summer clothing. Also, Stock Their Lockers, our school supplies program is coming up, so we really need school supplies. (For a a list of specific needs, log onto http://thesamaritancenter.net)

Upcoming Events