On any given day at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD), you might find Beth Pickler reading with students, helping prepare for an event or simply sharing a smile. It’s all part of a decades-long commitment to service that has quietly shaped lives across the Germantown community.

A longtime Germantown resident, Pickler has dedicated years of service to MOSD, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children with hearing loss, where her passion for helping others and love for children come together in a meaningful way.

“Beth Pickler has been volunteering with us for close to 30 years,” said Shelly Crais, Director of Educational Services for MOSD. “She leads the volunteers to help her decorate the school during the holidays, helps plan our fundraisers, plans projects with the kids, organizes and sets up our library to make sure it’s user friendly and so much more.”

Pickler’s connection to special education runs deep. “I taught high school special education and business education years ago,” she said. “My grandmother, mother and sister were all special needs teachers.” That family influence, along with her mother’s experience working with a deaf student, helped shape Pickler’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

She first became involved with MOSD through Subsidium, a support organization that raised funds for the school. “I fell in love with the concept that these deaf children are talking, singing and learning just as other students their age,” she said. Even after the organization disbanded, Pickler continued volunteering.

Today, Pickler spends time in the classroom, assists with events and supports the school in countless ways. Her impact is felt not only by the students, but also by the families and staff she works alongside.

“The rewards are great working with these amazing children, parents, teachers, therapists, assistants and administrators,” she said. “The hugs and smiles are all the payment I ever need.”

Pickler has also played a role in MOSD’s growth over the years, including helping support the school’s move to its permanent home in Germantown. She remains actively involved in its events, including the upcoming SpeakEasy fundraiser.

Beyond MOSD, Pickler has volunteered with a wide range of organizations, including PTA, Girl Scouts, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Cub Scouts, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed.

A Germantown resident since 1986, Pickler says the City has been the perfect place to raise her family. “Germantown is a nice community with great people,” she said. “Our children got amazing educations in the Germantown Public Schools where they made lasting friendships.”

Her advice to others is simple: get involved.

“There is nothing better than volunteering in the community where you live,” she said. “Volunteers are always needed, and I promise you that you will have a good time and make a lot of friendships along the way.”

For Pickler, the impact of volunteering is clear and deeply personal.

“Volunteering is very rewarding,” she said. “Even if you think you don’t have skills, sometimes just reading or organizing books in the library can make a huge difference. Try it! You will definitely feel better and more fulfilled by helping others.”

To find a local volunteer opportunity that fits your interests, location and schedule, visit Germantown-TN.gov/Volunteer.