Bothell woman is city's 'dream volunteer'

BOTHELL -- Mickey McKay does whatever's needed.

That's why the people at the Bothell public works department call her their "dream volunteer."

McKay, 57, of Bothell, has been helping out at the city for a little more than a year.

A retired accountant, McKay does office and computer work, in addition to setting up for events like the Sustainamania fair in May.

"It's good for me because having not worked for awhile, I missed that social interaction," she said. "I get to work in an office. I get to utilize some of the skills I have. I kind of keep up on what's going on in the city."

About 150 people volunteer for the City of Bothell at any time, a city spokeswoman said. Some work outdoors or only during emergencies.

McKay lives in Bothell with her husband, John, and their golden retriever, Molly.

She volunteers a couple of days a week, working closely with Sabrina Combs, the city's recycling and public services projects administrator.

McKay is helpful and efficient, Combs said. She spent more than 200 hours volunteering for Bothell in 2011.

"She's phenomenal," Combs said. "I can't say enough happy, joyous things about Mickey."

McKay said she loves learning about public works, something she never thought about before. She learns about recycling, sustainability, street maintenance and more.

The city is glad to have her, Combs said.

"She has that wonderful attitude of just wanting to be part of the community and helping out her community, which is fantastic," Combs said.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com

Want to help?

For more information about volunteering for the City of Bothell, call 425-489-3437 or go to http://tinyurl.com/bothellvol.