Realtors have one of the most demanding jobs as far as hours spent per day on work. But Annette Thornhill, Realtor with Realty World, finds time every week to volunteer for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce satellite office in Moneta.

It's Thornhill's first time volunteering, but she said the chamber is a perfect fit. The satellite office shares facilities with the office of Realty World, where Thornhill works, on Waterwheel Drive.

"It worked for me to help them out," she said. "For me, when I'm in here, I can work and volunteer at the same time."

She usually sets aside Tuesday morning to volunteer. It's the least-hectic day in real estate, said Thornhill. But other than her, the chamber currently has no volunteers at the lake office.

Barbara Bostic, membership and business development manager for the Bedford chamber, works at the satellite office almost every day, but Thornhill said she'd like to see more volunteers to help keep the office open more often.

"I'd like to see them get more volunteers in here so the office can be open more frequently," said Thornhill. "If I can help to bring any volunteers to the Chamber, that's what I'll do."

When she's volunteering, Thornhill said she helps direct visitors who stop into the office. Most are looking for places to go and things to do. Thornhill relies both on her knowledge of the area and the brochures around the office for businesses and tourist attractions ideas.

"A lot of the time, they ask for recommendations," she said. "That's the hardest. I try not to steer them in any direction ... I tell them about places and let them make their own decisions."

Some visitors just want to talk and as long as Thornhill isn't busy, she's happy to oblige. The conversations range anywhere between two and 20 minutes. Some of those who stop in to chat are from Northern Virginia, some from Greensboro and there are even Roanoke residents who are coming to the lake for the first time.

Between visitors, Thornhill straightens and organizes the shelves of brochures, as any chamber member can post their fliers, brochures and business cards. She said she likes to keep the office clean and organized.

Slating time every week to volunteer has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience, said Thornhill.

"It makes me feel good to know that I'm able to help somebody," she said. "I get a good feeling in exchange for my hard work."

For more information or to volunteer at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce satellite office, visit the office on Waterwheel Drive in Moneta or call (540) 586-9401.