Mary Daly, of Niles, is a longtime volunteer at the Christian Service Center food pantry in Niles. It offers food and other services for those in need in the Niles area. Call the pantry at (269) 684-0637. It is located at 322 Clay St.

What do you do for the Christian Service Center food pantry?

First, I absolutely love what I do here.

We minister to people in need of food and if we have funds we also help with utilities when we can. It is just one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done.

How did you get involved?

I’ve been volunteering for 12 to 15 years.

When I became of retirement age I decided I would always like to volunteer my time at this organization. It was one of the best things I ever could have done.

When I was a child, I always thought I would be a missionary and go to another country to do missionary work, but that didn’t come to fruition. I realized you can do missionary work in many other ways and I decided this was one way I could be of service. It is a type of missionary for someone to go out and give their time and talents to those who really need it.

What is the most rewarding part of your volunteer work?

It is just being there for those who are really in need. It is a blessing to be able to help them and share with them. We are a Christian organization, so the way I look at it is — for the clients who come to us — it is a chance for them to see God or Jesus at work. We are able to give and show them the love he would give to everybody. It is a way to see what it is to live that type of life and to serve people in that way. It is amazing and very rewarding to be able to help with that.

Why do you choose to volunteer?

I feel that I’ve been blessed and given so much in my life that I want to be able to return and do that for others. I want to share my time and talents with others who are less fortunate.