Cynthia Young, of Buchanan, is a retired homemaker and a volunteer with Buchanan’s Redbud Area Ministries, which offers free food and clothing to the less fortunate living in the Buchanan/Gailen area.

 

How long have you been volunteering at Redbud Area Ministries?

For around 10 years. I don’t remember when I started exactly.

 

What do you do?

We are a food, clothing and household giveaway. I work mostly with the food.

 

How did you initially get involved?

Just hearing about it, and having some time to volunteer. It’s a very worthwhile cause. We work with nice people. It has been a nice experience all the way around.

 

What are some of the things you do while volunteering?

We help people with the process of food and clothing. We put things away as they come in, but we mostly help clients.

 

How people do you work with?

I only work on Tuesday, but we usually around four or five people.

 

How people usually come to pick up food?

It is pretty steady. A lot of people who come in get both food and clothes.

 

Is the food you give away donated by the community?

It mostly comes from area churches. We also get donations so we can buy from Feed America and locally — many stores give us a discount. The bulk of it is donated by various organizations around town. They have a big food drive at the school every year. We get a lot from the post office every May. Sometimes people just give us money so we can buy what we do not get.

 

What motivates you to continue volunteering?

There is a real need for it. I love the people I work with. I feel good about the whole process.

 

What is the biggest thing you get out of volunteering?

It is the gratitude of the people who come in. They are very thankful.

 

Is there anything else you volunteer with around the community?

Sure. I do lots of things with the church and school. I have done Meals on Wheels for many years. There are a lot of good opportunities to volunteer for a lot of good things.

 

Is there anything you would want to say to encourage others to volunteer?

It is time well spent. We need to look out for each other and help each other out.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Ted Yoakum, community editor, at (269) 588-1040, or by email at ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com.