Philip and Connie Baker have learned much about the community in their 10 years here.

And they don’t miss an opportunity to talk about upcoming events. Connie works with the Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary. She has been part of the that group for the past 10 years.

“We are having our Christmas program, trying to get toys to boys and girls,” she said.

According to Connie, the Ladies Auxiliary gets the names and wants and needs of area children from the school counselors at Orange Beach Elementary. The group also prepares food baskets for the needy. They helped 90 families last year.

“Because of the economy and the oil spill, I know we are going to have more,” Connie said.

While it’s a lot of work (Connie admits to doing a lot of last-minute shopping) she says, “When families come to pick up their gifts, it’s all worth it.”

She recalls that one young girl had lost a training wheel for her bike.

“She just asked for that one training wheel,” Connie recalled. She added that sometimes need is hidden.

“You can’t judge by the car they drive up in,” said Connie, explaining that some families might have recently fallen on hard times.

“All kids want to say what they got from Santa,” said Connie. The OBVFD Ladies Auxiliary will be accepting donations through December. Call 981-7604 for details.

Both are active with the Orange Beach United Methodist Church, Philip with the church’s “Meals on Wheels” program that brings a nutritious meal to shut-ins once a day. He also volunteers his time with the church’s trustees.

He also recently volunteered as a poll worker.

“A couple friends of ours told us about it,” said Philip. He went to several hours of training, and was at the polls during the most recent election. “We had a lot of turnout. We were busy.”

Connie is part of the church’s Quilt Ministry and the Esther Circle.

He also works with the Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department, helping out with the department’s annual barbeque in June.

He’s a volunteer marshal at the Glen Lakes golf course, which is now raising funds for the Baldwin Humane Society (BARC!)

Both of them are founding members of the Treasures of the Isle Krewe. The krewe (Mardi Gras talk for “crew”) holds two fundraisers a year for area charities. The krewe parades in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Mardi Gras.

Philip is a past king of the Krewe, and Connie is the president of the organization this year.

“It’s a lot of fun, fellowship and giving back to the community,” said Philip. “The founders are all good people.”

And don’t forget helping out at a Kentucky Derby party in May at the Adult Activities Center and a host of other events.

With all this work, you would think the Bakers are natives of Orange Beach.

Wrong.

The couple moved to Orange Beach 10 years ago from Montevallo. They came to the area to be closer to relatives.

They are retired, Connie from property management and Philip from Bell South.

“But I think I am busier now than when I was working,” joked Connie.

But Connie says that volunteering was a good way to meet people and make friends when they first came to the community.

“We get a reward from helping.” said Philip. “We feel we have been so blessed by the grace of God, and we are in the position to volunteer.”