Sherrill Estes, of Tiverton, says she has become attached to those she serves through East Bay Community Action.

JOURNAL PHOTO / Steve Szydlowski Steve Szydlowski

President Bush will honor Sherrill Estes, of Tiverton, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award when he arrives in North Kingstown today.

Since she retired from the insurance industry in 2000, Estes has logged more than 1,800 volunteer hours stocking an East Bay Community Action food pantry near her Tiverton home. And for six of the last seven years, she has delivered Meals on Wheels once a week to elderly and disabled residents in her community.

During local visits such as the one Mr. Bush is scheduled to make today in Rhode Island, the president often presents local volunteers with the Volunteer Service Award to thank those citizens for making a difference in the lives of others. Mr. Bush has met with more than 575 volunteers since he first called on Americans to give to their communities in his State of the Union Address in 2002.

Estes said yesterday she was “very excited” about meeting the president, although the only reward she has sought through her volunteer work has been the fulfillment of the experience itself.

“When you retire, you have a lot of time on your hands,” said Estes, 68, who sold commercial insurance for 20 years. She and her husband, Milton, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

“You need to do something. It’s time to reach out to the community,” Estes said.

Volunteer work “makes retirement a very happy time, as opposed to sitting and twiddling your thumbs. It keeps you active. It keeps you healthy,” Estes said.

“You become attached to the people,” she said. “They become your extended family.” On Mondays, Estes navigates Tiverton’s country roads for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, delivering hot meals to 23 elderly residents who are unable to cook for themselves or get out to shop. Sometimes Estes runs errands for them as well.

On Fridays, she’s at the food pantry on Stafford Road, sorting the food, putting it away and pulling orders together.

“The people in Tiverton are very, very generous to us,” she said. “One church brings a carload twice a month. The day goes by really fast. You don’t have time to do everything you have to do.”

Luana Cherenzia, the Tiverton social worker for East Bay Community Action, says Estes is the best.

“She is one of the kindest, thoughtful, most generous people that I’ve met in my life,” Cherenzia said of Estes.

“It’s a very humbling situation when you have to go to a food pantry,” Cherenzia said, but Estes treats clients with dignity and respect.

And Estes puts in many unscheduled hours helping Cherenzia put together food baskets during the holiday season.

“I couldn’t do it without her. She’s always so willing to do it. She’s pretty amazing. I think they chose the perfect person for this honor,” Cherenzia said.

Karen Izzo, social services director for East Bay Community Action, said the White House invited the agency to nominate exemplary volunteers to be honored by the president.

“Sherrill is such a humble, unassuming woman. We’re thrilled that Sherrill was chosen. She’s definitely deserving of it,” Izzo said.

gmacris@projo.com