Phil Mills, of Niles, is a longtime volunteer for the Salvation Army of Niles, an organization that provides services to the needy in the greater Niles area. It is located at 424 N. 15th St., Niles. For more information, call (269) 684-2660 or visit saniles.org.

 

Q: How long have you been volunteering at the Salvation Army?

I’d say about six or seven years.

 

Q: How did you get started?

When I was growing up, my family — we always went to the Salvation Army. I left to join the Navy and when I came back I was retired and just sitting around doing nothing. I said ‘I know where I can go’ and asked if they needed any help.

I take care of the overflow for the food pantry. I started organizing that.

When we (Salvation Army) bought the new property I started taking care of the lawn over there. I am in the process of cutting all the brush along the fences. I did that all last week. I still have some to go yet.

At Christmas and Thanksgiving time I help with the distribution of the food. If they need pickup I go out with my truck and do pickups of the barrels and boxes.

I work harder now than I did when I had a job.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I like doing the lawnwork because I am outside. I am basically on my own.

Then, around Christmas or the holidays, or if I am down there when they are giving out food, I like seeing the expression on people’s faces that you are helping out. It just makes you feel good. Especially when you are handing out toys to the kids.

 

Q: Why is it important to volunteer?

Someone has to do it. Everybody can’t get paid for everything you do.

If I wasn’t volunteering I would be sitting at home. I am 73 and I know guys a lot younger than me that retired and within a few years they are gone because they sat around and did nothing. I keep busy doing things.

Somebody has to volunteer. If you don’t enjoy people you are not going to be a good volunteer. I just enjoy being around people and meeting new people. That’s the way I’ve been since I joined the Navy.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com, or drop them off at the office, 217 N. Fourth St., Niles.