<b>Q: How long have you lived in Beaufort?</b>

A: Since 1997. 15 years. Originally, I am from Hannibal, Missouri.

[caption id="attachment_9676" align="alignleft" width="214"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Volunteer-Steve-Curless-1-31.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9676" alt="Volunteer spotlight on Steve Curless of HELP of Beaufort and Community Services Organization." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Volunteer-Steve-Curless-1-31-214x300.jpg" width="214" height="300" /></a> Volunteer spotlight on Steve Curless of HELP of Beaufort and Community Services Organization.[/caption]

<b>Q: What organization do you represent?</b>

A: HELP Of Beaufort and Community Services Organization.

<b>Q: How did you first get involved with these organizations?</b>

A: In 2003, I started at HELP as their trash man and was later asked to be on the board.  In 2006 they asked me to be president. I started the Community Services Organization in 2009 as a way to bring nonprofits together to stop the duplication of services.

<b>Q: Describe one of your most memorable experiences as a volunteer. </b>

A: We had a young lady with two children.  She wanted to get her GED and the board of directors at HELP voted to pay for it.  But the Employment Security Commission got it for her.  She later hand wrote me a three page letter with pictures of her children, thanking me for helping her so much.  It really meant a lot to me, and I still have it.

<b>Q: When not volunteering, what other activities do you enjoy?</b>

A: My regular job is as a mobile DJ.  I have DJ’ed for over 24 years. I do karaoke around Beaufort during the week, and weddings and parties on the weekends.

<b>Q: What do you like best about Beaufort?</b>

A: The people. They are so nice. And being a retired Marine, there are a lot of active duty, former Marines, and retirees here. And the location is like heaven. I just love it here in Beaufort.

<b>IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This Volunteer Spotlight portrait was taken by Captured Moments Photogrpahy at 509-B Adventure St., Beaufort SC 29902. 843-379-0223,</b>

<b>www.capmom.com. Nominate a volunteer by emailing theislandnews@gmail.com.</b>