Carol Noid, 77, of Berrien Springs, has been an active volunteer all her life. She volunteered for more than 30 years with League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties, she is a member of the Optimist Club, volunteers with her local church, Fernwood Botanical Gardens, the Niles Garden Club and Friend of the Library. She also gives companionship to a woman who needs round-the-clock care. In 2003, she received the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. Most recently, she volunteers with Evy’s Closet, a free clothing ministry for women in the Niles area.

How did you get involved with Evy’s Closet?

I’ve been involved pretty much since they opened. I think it’s a worthy undertaking, and they need people to help with it, so I’m just supporting the cause. It’s a good use of clothes that people don’t want anymore.

What do you do with Evy’s Closet?

I just help people out and help them find what they are looking for and make sure that they don’t have any questions that aren’t answered.

What has made you want to be involved with so many different volunteer organizations and causes over the years?

In life, there are choices to make, and if you choose to help out different areas, it will make your life worthwhile.There are so many things that go on where you say, “Ugh, there’s nothing I can do about that.” But you do what you can to help out the people in your area. That’s my philosophy.

What do you like about volunteering?

What I like most is probably the things you learn about what is going on and the people that you can meet and interact with. There’s a satisfaction that comes with doing something that should be helpful.

How would you encourage others to volunteer?

The community is always looking for help.