http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wesh/20020327/lo/1134490_1.html

Pearce Volunteers To Help Autistic Kids, Adults

Warren Pearce, 73, volunteers about 40 hours a week at Central Florida's only facility for critically autistic children and adults.

Pearce said he just does whatever needs to be done, but the folks at Threshold said he takes volunteerism to a whole new level, earning him the distinction of becoming a WESH NewsChannel 2 Hometown Hero.

Some rooms at Threshold have a lot of Pearce in them. He's convinced people to donate items needed by the center, including TVs, bookcases, cabinetry, computers, tables, chairs and toys.

Threshold offers residential and day-treatment programs for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. For many, it's what Pearce called "a house of last resort."

"If we weren't here, they would either be in prison or on the street fighting, or they might not survive because they do have health problems and can't communicate," Pearce said.

Pearce heard about Threshold and began volunteering full-time soon after. "I started at first just doing small things: painting, running errands -- and before long there weren't enough hours in the day," Pearce said.

Pearce said helping out there makes him forget his own aches and pains.

"You would be amazed at how much we can churn out of this 4-by-4 office," Pearce said.

Developmental Director Ellen Thomson said Pearce makes everyone feel better. "When he walks in, the rooms light up, and it's been a privilege, a real privilege, to work with him," Thomson said. Thomson said Pearce opened Threshold's thrift store. He spends hundreds of hours collecting things to sell.

"It's a lot of stuff in a very small space, but it does a lot of good," Pearce said.

Not only does the store raise money, it raises public awareness about Threshold and autism.

Pearce is also on the United Way speakers' bureau, to help educate even more people.

"How would you feel if you were able to do something really nice for somebody or make a difference in someone's life? You feel great," Pearce said.

Pearce's current project is finding money to build a pavilion by the playground, so the kids can be outside but stay out of the sun.

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