Beverly Woodson, of Niles, is a volunteer with the Helping Our People Evolve community club. Woodson is one of the founding members of the club, which has been active in the southwest Michigan community for about a year. In addition to her work with H.O.P.E., Woodson also volunteers on the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church scholarship committee, Helping Hands Food Pantry and Stevie’s Soup Kitchen.

How would you describe what H.O.P.E. does?

We work throughout the community through a variety of different functions, including the schools, working with the community and just doing things we see that needs to be done. For example, issues that have been overlooked. We are just trying to bring people together. [A major effort] is trying to get our children involved in more stuff. There’s a lot we see that needs to be done and we try very hard to bring it to the forefront of the community.

What is your role as a member of H.O.P.E.?

What I do is try to get in touch with all the different [organizations]. I guess I’m more like the liaison person. I contact the school and talk with the superintendent. I talk with the YMCA, and I talk with people in the community.

What do you enjoy about your volunteer work with H.O.P.E.?

I love it. I’m a retired social worker. I’ve always done this type of work, but now I have more time for it. I have grandchildren and raised my children to always volunteer. I have [helped] my grandbabies get involved. For example, they help out at the soup kitchen. I want them to know how important it is to be a productive member of the community.

I enjoy doing what I do. It’s my way of giving back. I know the more you give, the more you receive. It is my passion, and it is my gift. As a Christian, it is my gift. Everything I do, I do from the heart.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer in their communities?

Because it is showing that you are a positive individual and productive member of our community. If we want our community to grow and become more diverse, this is what we have to do. We can’t just sit in a hole. We have to jump out there and work together, and that is the only way we are going to do it. If we want diversity, if we want to go forward, if we want to keep this positive attitude — that is the only way we are going to do it. That’s why I do what I do, and H.O.P.E. is part of that dream.