Barb Owen, of Cassopolis, is a volunteer who has been working with Helping Hands of Cass County for the last four months. It is a nonprofit organization serving low-income families and individuals in Cass County. There is an on-site food pantry, and a thrift shop. It is located at 130 S. Broadway St., Cassopolis.

 

What made you want to get involved?

I go to Pleasant View Church of Christ in Cassopolis, and Pastor Jeff Oliver sent me here.

 

What do you do?

I’m the cashier.

 

What are your responsibilities?

I mainly take care of the register and doing the bank deposits at night.

 

How has it been the last several months?

It’s been wonderful, I’ve really enjoyed it. What’s really helped me is that I lost my husband about seven months ago — he had a major heart attack at the wheel. It’s been lonely, and I thought I would volunteer. It kind of helps pass away the time. We were married 50 years.

[Volunteering] takes a lot off my mind. I enjoy working with the people and it’s really been a lot of help to me.

 

What’s it like working with fellow volunteers at Helping Hands?

It’s wonderful. I enjoy it. A lot of them I know. I have a niece that I work with. It’s really been awesome. I’m glad I decided to volunteer.

 

How has volunteering helped you?

Mainly with meeting people. I greet people right at the door when they come in, since I work right near the door. …I’m around a lot of people, and I meet a lot of people.

 

Is there anything you would want to say to encourage people to volunteer?

If they have a lot of spare time or whatever, and they want to volunteer, there’s always places like Salvation Army that are always looking for volunteers.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or by email at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.