Betty Arndt, of Niles, is an approximately five-year member of the Niles Noon Optimist Club and a key organizer of the club’s annual Great Pumpkin Race.

What do you do for the Great Pumpkin Race?

Well, it is not just me. Michelle Morse, myself, Diane Bass and Shane Shidler all work together over the summer to get everything put together and plan what we are going to do. There is a lot of help. Everyone works very hard to get it moving forward.

What work goes into getting it ready?

We always meet to talk about what we can do to make it better than it was the year before. Every year there are things you see that can be improved, so we try to incorporate those things. We start lining up the pumpkins and the sponsors and the logistics of the event itself. It was different this year because we had it over at the YMCA. I really like being over there with everybody so that it is one big event for the City of Niles for the kids. I think we will keep that for next year, at least that is our goal. We want to make sure everyone having an event has a good time and that they don’t interfere with each other.

What do you enjoy most about the Great Pumpkin Race?

I think the thing I enjoy most is when the kids have their pumpkin go down the hill and they get that big smile on their face and they are all excited. That is the most fun. I like to watch the pumpkins go down the hill.

What else do you do for the Optimist Club?

If they have a night shift where there is something going on, I usually try to make it and help out.

Why do choose to volunteer?

I think it is important to give back. When I think back when I was a kid there were a lot of people there for me to make sure things go well. As an adult it is important to me to do that for the next kid. It is the idea of pay it forward.

Are you part of other civic organizations?

Not really. I am the adult supervisor who sits in at the Dungeons and Dragons group at Niles High School, but the kids pretty much run that. They are a good bunch. It just needs an adult and I guess I qualify — I am over 18.

Why did you choose to join the Optimist Club?

Because their motto is bringing out the best in kids. That is my thoughts too. I want to do things for kids because they are such wonderful blank slates. And, also, because of the soccer. My son plays soccer and Optimist does the recreational soccer. I want to do anything I can to keep soccer going in Niles. It is a great way for kids to get outside and burn off some energy.

Why is volunteering important?

It is what makes us human — that we are willing to help others and to give time. It is that sense of satisfaction that you get inside when you do something that isn’t for you or for money — it is just because it is the right thing to do.