This month's CAST volunteer spotlight is on Carl Miller. Carl has his hands involved in many charitable endeavors, from being Santa Claus at local functions to a volunteer at the C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Lake Bastrop, Texas. In August of 2015, Carl received the man of the year award in Giddings County. Recently the C.A.S.T. event at Lake Bastrop received a large financial contribution in Carl's honor. This anonymous donor wished to honor Carl's selfless work with the children of Bastrop and Giddings County Texas.
Carl and Susan, his wife of 28 years, lost their house in the forest fires in Bastrop County in 2011. Devastated, they were not sure where to turn for help. The Millers were amazed at the outpouring of support they received from the community. When Carl asked how they would ever repay all the help the community gave them, many people responded that they already had with all of the selfless volunteering to children's charities that Carl has done over the many years. C.A.S.T. for Kids, Santa Claus, and delivering bicycles to needy children at Christmas time -- all of this work had come back to reward the Miller's.
When asked what would make a man give so tirelessly to charities, Carl mentioned several things - one of which was from back in 1959. In fourth grade at the time, Carl remembers asking another boy on the school bus with him, what he thought he was going to get for Christmas. The boy replied that more than likely his parents could not afford to buy him anything, but the boy said he knew his parents loved him. That was enough of a present for him. A remark not forgotten in 56 years! Amazing.
Not surprisingly, Carl's favorite memories from the many C.A.S.T. events he has attended are simply the way the volunteers come together as one, to do something special, for the children in the community. People of all races, rich, and poor, all working together for the greater good.
Carl Miller, another volunteer with a passion for helping children "Catch A Special Thrill."
