community

Sometimes heading out of town provides prospective. In January 2007 a team of volunteers from the small community of Ligonier, Indiana went to the Gulf Coast to assist with the rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina. The problem was Ligonier needed some help too.  For the past 30 years Ligonier had been in decline. Like many small towns Ligonier’s population was dwindling, historic buildings in downtown were crumbling and cultural rifts were dividing the community of 5,000.

John Leinart has served on the board of directors of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley for more than 10 years.  During his service, John has served as a Big Brother to three young men.  He has also engaged his family in the mentoring experience, including his wife, two daughters, and his 87 year old father.  Leinart is a leader that does not hesitate to lead by example. In his capacity as Director of Human Resources for Deere & Company, John has coordinated volunteer recruitment activities that have recruited over 100 adult mentors for children in his community. 

Marie Alfano, a Registered Nurse, realizes the value of helping children and as a volunteer, she has been dedicating time to serving children and their families for over 30 years.  She spends most of her free time, volunteering with Joining Hands, a non-profit organization that helps terminally ill and permanently handicapped children and their families. 

Virgil Sanford is a volunteer’s volunteer because he serves his community in several ways.  He volunteers four to five days a week at the Victory Baptist Church.  The church pastor says Virgil is "one awesome volunteer” because Virgil volunteers about 900 hours a year at the Church.  He takes care of everything from plumbing repairs and building projects to classroom painting.

Jim Mackie is a volunteer who serves as the Chapter Director for HOPE Worldwide-Jacksonville.   He volunteers his time and talent because he believes his service follows the example that Jesus demonstrated and expected from others.  Under Jim’s direction, the organization’s Saturday Academy has improved students’ grades and citizenship awareness.  Students living in high-risk neighborhoods are eagerly returning to the program each year and positively contributing back to their community.  Parents and educators have praised the program and the influence of its positive role models.