Mary Steckine, of Buchanan, is always busy volunteering her time to multiple organizations around the community. She spends her time in places like the Buchanan Area Senior Center, The American Legion of Buchanan, and Redbud Area Ministries.

How did you get involved with each of these organizations?

I love helping people and I’ve been with these places for a while. So they call me when they need me.

What kind of service do you do for RAM?

I do a lot of stuff in the kitchen. I weigh the food that they need, I stock the shelves in the back, and I sometimes help cook things. I also try to get people to donate to RAM.

Why do you choose to volunteer for RAM?

I think RAM does a lot of good for the community and I enjoy being a part of it.

What kind of service do you do for the senior center?

I am on the board for the senior center so I attend a lot of meetings and go shopping for things the center needs.

What kinds of things are you shopping for?

I help coordinate our bi-monthly bingo games. Each game has about 60 to 80 prizes, so they give me a budget and I go out shopping for those prizes. My favorite thing is shopping.

What is volunteering at the American Legion like?

I love being there. I always help out with the funeral luncheons.

Are there any other kinds of volunteer work that you do?

I think one of my favorite volunteering positions is the mini train operator at the Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles. I watch the trains and make sure they don’t derail.

Why is Fernwood your favorite?

I get the most enjoyment out of Fernwood because of the little kids that are running around. They are always running around and smiling.

Why do you choose to volunteer?

It feels good to help people and I enjoy myself while doing it. Everything I do enjoy while volunteering.