Angela Robison, of Niles, is a longtime volunteer at the Nile Salvation Army. She helps out with the Army’s Feeding His Sheep backpack program and adopt-a-family program at Christmas.

Q: What do you do for the backpack program?

I run backpacks for the Feeding His Sheep Program that they have.

I’ve been helping with this program for about three years.

I pick up the bags at the Niles District Library and take them to the Buchanan elementary schools each Friday.

To be part of the program, families have to fill out an application and qualify. It is offered through the local schools.

In the backpack is enough food for breakfast and lunch Saturday, and breakfast and lunch and a couple snacks on Sunday. It is to make sure that kids don’t go hungry through the weekend. The kids then take their empty backpack back to school and someone picks the bags up on Tuesday. Then the backpack is filled and sent out again on Friday.

Q: What do you do for the Christmas program?

When it comes holiday time I know that the Salvation Army helps a lot of families and I feel like it is something I have to go and help them with. We have to give back.

That is something I’ve been doing for probably 15 years.

They have a Santa shop inside of the church. I help set up the toys and help families come through and pick up what they need for the kids.

Q: Why is it important to volunteer?

We were put here to help each other.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the Christmas program?

Helping to make sure that kids get a Christmas and that they know somebody else cares. It is awesome to witness sometimes.

Q: Why should others volunteer?

If you have the time and the ability I believe you are supposed to give back.

 

Do you know any volunteers 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.