Meet Our Rockstar Volunteers!
Pictured above: Diana Brown and Karen Dorony, two of our dedicated volunteers.
We love our volunteers! We recently sat down with a few of our veteran volunteers at the Farmington Hills Corps Community Center and talked with them about their passion for serving.
Giving and Receiving
Diana Brown has been a volunteer at the corps for 11 years. After the charges and court order that originally brought her to the corps were dropped, she decided to continue volunteering because she loved it so much.
“I do some of everything here: help out with the food pantry, answer phones, girls’ scouting program leader – I’ve even driven to different states for our women’s ministry group,” she says. “I could go on and on about everything I’ve done here. I love working with the people in our programs. We give each other joy.”
Diana has also been on the receiving end of the services at the corps. During a rough spot in life, she could not afford food or car repairs, and she got the help she needed from the corps community. After this experience, she realized that because the array of services are so wide at The Salvation Army, there is a place for everyone who wants to serve others.
“The need is great in every area. My mother always used to say, ‘Diana, what about the seniors?’ and that stuck with me. I try to remember those who would be forgotten otherwise.”
Volunteering: A Lifelong Mission
Karen Dorony worked for The Salvation Army for 30 years as a social worker in Detroit. After she retired, she decided to stay involved as a volunteer.
“I loved the work that I’ve been able to do with The Salvation Army. I am invested in the mission of the organization,” she says. “My grandparents were Salvation Army officers (pastors), and I enjoy helping where I’m needed.”
After 9 years as a volunteer, Karen has no plans of stopping. Her favorite day of the week is Wednesday, when she gets to meet people who come to the corps for the weekly fresh food distribution.
“We need some more help on Wednesdays,” she says, “from some men who can do some lifting!”
Finding a Family Through Serving
Pat has been volunteering for about 7 years at the corps, and has been a bell ringer for over a decade.
“I involved my kids in bell ringing, too,” she says. “It’s like a big family here. The people have good hearts.”
Pat serves as the corps receptionist, answers phones, and helps with the food pantry as well.
“Whatever anybody needs, I’m happy to help. It’s one thing to describe volunteering here and another to experience it yourself. There’s something going on at the corps nearly every day of the week, all year round.”
From youth programs to the senior luncheon, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved at the Farmington Hills Corps Community Center! Sign up now.