A few years ago, Andrea Feldman and her husband moved to Cherokee County, and she began looking for something to do during her retirement.

She saw a notice in the Cherokee Tribune calling for volunteers for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children in Cherokee County.

Through that organization, which trains volunteers to serve as advocates in the courts, she learned about the Cherokee County Juvenile Court Citizen Review Panel.

Her service with the panel led to her recognition as the Cherokee Families of Cherokee United in Service Volunteer of the Month for August.

"I had a need for something to do," Mrs. Feldman, 61, of BridgeMill, said as to why she started volunteering after retiring as a administrative assistant for a health care college.

Cherokee County Juvenile Court Citizen Review Panels meet monthly to review the case plans developed for children in foster care.

Mindy Foster, coordinator for the citizen panels for the Cherokee County Juvenile Court, nominated Mrs. Feldman for the FOCUS recognition.

Mrs. Feldman, she said, is a "double dipper," meaning she volunteers on two different panels. There are six citizen review panels.

"She does it with a great attitude. She gives 100 percent every time," she said.

Mrs. Feldman said she spends several days each month working on volunteer activities, which also include service with Hadassah, a national Jewish women's association.

"I never had the opportunity to volunteer while I was working," she said. "I am enjoying it now."

Working with children is a way for her to give back.

"We were lucky enough to have good kids. We did not need additional help," said Mrs. Feldman, who with her husband, Richard, has four children and seven grandchildren.

Deidre Hollands, executive director for CASA for Children, said Mrs. Feldman is a "wonderful advocate."

"Her concern and care shows" when Mrs. Feldman works with children, she said.

"This is not a job where you get any real award. To volunteer and do it as long as she has says something about her character," Mrs. Hollands said.