Karen Wright, of Cassopolis, is a volunteer at the Niles Scream Park, a haunted events attraction in Niles. The park allows volunteers working for a cause to raise money for their organization.

What do you do at the Niles Scream Park?

I’m a cashier. (Additionally) I do a little bit of decorating and mostly painting and art type work at the summer preparing events for the public before we open.

How did you get started?

My daughter is in dance and in 2009 we decided to form a group and work at the haunted house, so I started then. And so we started it as a fundraising opportunity for our group.

What do you enjoy most about it?

I would say the family atmosphere of all the volunteer workers at the haunted house.

We call ourselves the haunted house family and it really becomes a family event, especially in the fall when you have a couple hundred people at night working. There are just a lot of really nice people and they’re trying to raise money for their causes. It’s a good thing to be part of.

Why is it important to volunteer?

It’s a great thing to be able to give back to your community. The haunted house has a major impact to our area in southwest Michigan. Last year, we gave away approximately $106,000.

To be able to be part of something that big in giving back I just feel like anything you can do to do your share and help others is a great thing.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by emailing the newsroom at news@leaderpub.com, or calling (269) 687-7713.