Oklahoma City Resident Sailer Posthumously Recognized for Volunteerism

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL---The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Volunteerism posthumously recognized an Oklahoma City man at the State Volunteer Awards Ceremony recently in Oklahoma City at the Langston University-Oklahoma City campus. 

The late Joe Sailer was posthumously recognized as an exceptional individual whose volunteer service has had a significant impact on individuals or a community. 
 
For more than 10 years, Sailer supported the children temporarily placed at the Pauline E. Mayer Children’s Shelter. As volunteer chaplain, Sailer continued his work even after he was diagnosed with cancer. He bravely fought, but passed away in December 2008.

Joe Sailer is fondly remembered by staff at the Mayer Shelter as a kind and caring individual who always had time for the children. The staff believes children may have been drawn to him because of his striking similarity to Santa Claus, but because of his work, children were able to go on special outings, meet special visitors and attend events and enjoy Christmas gifts and parties. The award was posthumously presented to Joe and accepted by his wife, Sondra Sailer.

Gov. Brad Henry’s Cabinet Secretary for Human Services, OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick, presented the awards and congratulated the honorees.

The theme, Volunteers Create Magic, was displayed throughout the room as each recipient was awarded a trophy and a commendation from the state legislature.  A reception followed the ceremony.

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