Jerry Flenar, of Buchanan, volunteers in many different capacities in his home city. He is a longtime member of the Buchanan Lions Club, is involved with the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, volunteers at the Buchanan Area Senior Center and is a former member of the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education, among other things.

 

Why do you choose to volunteer?

It keeps me busy and from getting bored. … I am retired, it’s been three years now. I like to be out doing things, seeing people so I enjoy my volunteer work a lot.

There are people that just can’t pay for things that they need. We need volunteers around town that can jump in and get things done for them and the community.

 

What do you do for the Buchanan Lions Club?

I’ve been a member since 1980, so 36 years. I’ve been president twice now and am on my second term as president, but total it will be four years as president.

I work White Cane Day where we go out on street corners and hand out white canes and take donations.

I am in charge of the catering. We have a concession stand down at RedBud track and trail and I’ve been in charge of that 30 years plus.

Anytime we have a program I am usually part of what we do. We team with a couple of shelters here in Buchanan.

A while ago we built a Habitat for Humanity House.

Our main theme is we serve. It is about helping out other people and volunteering and seeing what they need.

For the Lions Club, one of our main things is sight. So we raise money for kids that can’t afford glasses. In Buchanan Community Schools we send kids to different eye doctors around the area and pay for their eye exam, their glasses. It is a good feeling type thing I guess, helping out the community.

 

What do you do for the chamber of commerce?

I’ve been on the chamber of commerce here for eight years. This is my second term as president. I was president probably 15 years ago and just got back on the chamber three years ago and am now in my second year of presidency for the chamber.

 

What do you do for the Buchanan Area Senior Center?

I have worked up there on a number of volunteer dinners they do. I work up there on the days that they hand out commodities, once a month, to people who qualify. I’ve been doing it for about a year now. My wife is a board member up there. Most of my volunteer work has been outside the senior center.

 

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 (269) 687-7720, or emailing him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com