Hartsfield Host volunteers offer friendly faces, helping hands
By Roishina C. Henderson

John Mason isn’t waiting until the economy perks up to share his love of people. He is spending the time where the masses are — as a Hartsfield Host volunteer at the Airport.

“I’ve been looking for work. But, until I find something, I want to keep my mind active. So, I’ll volunteer,” said the husband and father of two. “I’m a people person, and I like helping people.”

Mason is the first physically disabled volunteer in the program, which is operated by the Customer Service unit at the Airport. Hartsfield Host volunteers coordinator Brenda Sims said Mason went through six weeks of training and was paired up with a seasoned volunteer to learn the ropes.

“I try to be proactive,” said Mason, 42, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn. “I try to detect if someone may need some help and see if anyone is lost and needs help. I observe people.”

Mason joins about 60 Hartsfield Host volunteers at the Airport. Sims said the volunteers program delivers an invaluable service to the Airport community.

“[Volunteers answer] questions from passengers on aspects of the Airport and the city,” Sims said. “The volunteers take classes that keep them abreast of all new changes and updates about the Airport. We also teach them how to smile warmly [and] greet visitors and how to be aware of their body language. They are proactive in helping passengers and always [work] in a professional and friendly manner.”

Mason, who came aboard the Hartsfield Host team in August, volunteers two four-hour days a week at the Airport. He usually can be found at the Information Center in the Atrium or near a baggage claim area, looking for those who need help navigating through the Airport.

Many of the Hartsfield Host volunteers can be spotted throughout the Airport in red vests, sweaters or jackets with the Airport logo.