Brenda Skinner, of Niles, is a long time volunteer at the Niles Salvation Army, a food bank and service organization that provides services to those in need in the greater Niles area.

What do you do at the Niles Salvation Army?

I volunteer at the reception desk a couple days a week, answering phones and greeting people as they come in. I help find out what they need and fill in anywhere else that I can.

How long have you been volunteering there?

A little over five years or somewhere around there.

How did you get started?

I am retired now and wanted something to do because I don’t like to sit around. I contacted the volunteer center and they contacted the Salvation Army, which was in need of a receptionist at the moment. They called me asked if I was interested in being a receptionist there. That is basically how I got started.

What do you enjoy most about it?

Greeting people and finding out about their needs and making sure they are met. It makes them happy even if it is just a small thing you are doing for them. It gets them out of their troubles for a moment and you get to talk to them. They really appreciate what you do up there for them. The Salvation Army really is a very good place where people can go to get help with their needs.

Why is it important to volunteer?

Just to give back. I worked almost 30 years and I like giving back. If you are good at doing something I think a person should give back. The Lord gives us special qualities and whatever those special qualities are we should give back.

 

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.