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Ruthie Charlton has been named the February 2022 Outer Banks Hotline Volunteer of the Month. She is a long-time crisis line volunteer and was nominated for the recognition by crisis line volunteer coordinator Marian William.

“Ruthie was born and resided in New Jersey until her move to the Outer Banks in 1985. Soon after her move, she began volunteering with Britthaven, now known as Peak Nursing Home, until 2005,” stated William. “She also volunteered with Outer Banks Hospice until 2010. She has been a volunteer with Outer Banks Hotline for over 25 years and volunteers answering our crisis line calls. She is a valued volunteer. Her longevity with the Outer Banks Hotline is appreciated by the all the staff at the Safehouse and Administration.

“Besides all of the volunteering Ruthie has done, she still has had the opportunity to enjoy some hobbies, such as cooking, entertaining, singing in the Outer Banks Chorus (until Covid showed up), knitting prayer shawls from her church, and reading books,” William continued. “Her best buddy is her cat Opi who loves to eat sushi, when he can convince Ruthie to share it.”

The Outer Banks Hotline press release about the recognition states “Ruthie personifies the kindness and generosity of the volunteer spirit!”

Outer Banks Hotline’s mission is to promote a safe and compassionate community. “We are a private, non-profit human services organization that provides crisis intervention, safe house, information and referrals, advocacy, and prevention education services to residents of and visitors to the Outer Banks,” stated the press release.

Hotline’s volunteers and staff provide the community with crisis intervention in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault response, prevention education, support groups and community outreach. A 24-hour crisis line (252-473-3366) connects a distressed caller to a volunteer trained to listen and make referrals. Topics include suicide, family problems, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.

For more information, visit obhotline.org or call 252-473-5121. Those interested in volunteering should call or stop by a Hotline store.

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