Robert “Butch” Reed, of Dowagiac, is a retiree who has volunteered the last several years with the Cass County COA. He recently volunteered to help out during the COA’s annual Grand Festival, which took place last month.

 

How long have you been volunteering at the COA?

The last couple years now.

 

How did you get involved with the COA?

At first, I was going up there to use the computers. Then I was part of the exercise room. After a while some of the people working there asked if my wife and I were willing to volunteer.

 

What are some the things you help out with?

Different things, mainly ones that deal with working with children.

 

How long have you been helping out with the Grand Festival?

The last three or four years.

 

What do you do during the festival?

I go wherever they want to put me. I mostly help out with the bounce house.

 

What do you like most about volunteering at the event?

I like working with the parents and the children, of course.

 

Is there anything else you are involved with around the community?

I have been involved with Forgotten Man Ministry, which is a prison ministry. I am a pastor in the church. I go to a couple bible studies as well, where we discuss how we can get more involved in the community.

 

What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering with the COA?

It keeps me emotionally stimulated to do positive things. With the all the bad news that is going around, I believe the best way to improve the community is to get personally involved. You can either fix the blame or fix the problem.

 

Is there anything else you want to mention?

The COA is probably the best secret resource we have in this community. I encourage everyone to come kick the tires and see what the COA is all about. You don’t have to be a senior citizen…we have a lot of different programs: trips, planting, art, playing cards, exercise groups. There are many different resources we have, at a very minimal price.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Ted Yoakum, community editor, at (269) 687-7706, or by email at ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com.