Cheryl Ross can’t wait for Thursdays – they’re the highlight of her week.

That’s the day the volunteer driver for the Department of Child Protection (DCP) picks up baby Bella*.

“She’s an incredible little girl,” the smitten Cheryl said. “When she sees me now, she recognises me. This is a lovely aspect of what I am doing.”

Cheryl, 76, started transporting Bella when she was just two months old, driving her from her foster carers’ home to spend time with her biological mother as part of a program supporting families to reunify with their young children.

The round trip to Uniting Communities’ Newpin program is about 50km, with a few hours of waiting in between.

“There are a lot of people in and out of her life at the moment, so I provide some consistency,” Cheryl said.

Prior to joining DCP, Cheryl worked in education, supporting vulnerable young people.

She’s being celebrated by DCP along with our 186 other volunteers as we approach International Volunteer Day on 5 December.

As well as offering an important transport service, volunteers assist children with homework, help them with their Life Story Book (memory scrapbooks) and support them at special events.

Cheryl started as a volunteer at DCP’s Hindmarsh office two years ago.

In that time, she’s transported a number of children, but Bella is her main priority every Thursday.

She starts at the DCP office, collects the car and makes sure it has a baby seat before heading off to pick up the now one-year-old.

“I do a full day,” Cheryl said. “It’s really good. I don’t mind the driving.

“I do look forward to it, and it’s not just the cute little baby. It’s also the people in the office. They’re great and make us feel appreciated.”

DCP Chief Executive Jackie Bray said Cheryl showed that volunteering is a wonderful two-way street.

“Cheryl’s connection with the children she transports is beautiful to see,” Jackie said.

“Children and young people in care receive crucial support from our volunteers, and those volunteers receive something valuable in return – a sense of connection and the knowledge they are doing something of great value for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“We are forever grateful to our volunteers and celebrate their efforts.”

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said volunteers are outstanding people who, every single day, choose to help improve the lives of children and young people in care.

“Volunteers like Cheryl are the heartbeat of our child protection and family support system,” she said.

“They play an utterly invaluable role in providing stability, support and a listening ear to vulnerable children and young people, making a real difference in their everyday lives.”

Cheryl agreed volunteering with DCP was very rewarding and a lot of fun.

“I’m physically fit, which helps,” she said. “And I’ve got a young head and a young heart.”

More information about volunteering can be found at: childprotection.sa.gov.au/make-a-difference/volunteers

*Name has been changed to protect her privacy.