Pontiac: A Community of Service and Gratitude
Every Thursday, the Pontiac Corps Community Center hosts a food distribution for anyone in need in the community to get a food box filled with essentials. Handed out by hardworking, smiling volunteers, these food boxes bring vital aid to a city that like so many others across the country are struggling through inflation and the other ongoing economic effects felt over the past two years. We recently had the opportunity to speak to everyone at the corps, from volunteers to recipients from around Pontiac, and ask just what it means for The Salvation Army to be present in the city.
Volunteers: The Lifeblood of Our Programs
Michael Lewis works every week with his team of volunteers to serve food boxes to our neighbors in need.
Michael Lewis has been the Volunteer and Kettle Coordinator at the corps for the past 5 years. He grew up in the corps, and loves serving his community through Salvation Army programs.
“Serving people here, especially the seniors, touches my heart because I live in this city. For the first 27 years of my life, this was my church. I love being here, serving with our volunteers. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to provide these food boxes. Since the pandemic started, they have masked up and gotten the job done. There is plenty to do around here, so we can never have enough volunteers!”
Servanthood Modeled Through Leadership
Captain William Richardson has been the corps officer (pastor) for almost two years, and his hands-on work with corps programs is seen and felt throughout the array of services offered.
“We don’t just want to be a place where people come and hear preaching once a week,” says Richardson. “We want to show people that we love them, and that Jesus loves them. Programs such as our food boxes do just that, and our great volunteers make this possible by going above and beyond. They come in with a positive attitude and have done so much for our community without complaint.”
Volunteer Highlights
Denise Brown, a volunteer for over 7 years, bags fresh produce for the next food box.
Volunteers at the Pontiac Corps Community Center embody the spirit of serving others. After speaking with them, it was clear just what it meant to them that their work impacted the community.
“This is a great help to the community,” says Richard Saincome, who is retired. “For over five years now, I’ve been a bell ringer, driven the van for paid bell ringers, and helped with the food distribution. It’s very rewarding for me, especially when I know I’m helping people who can’t make ends meet.”
“It feels good to give back,” says Earleane Wilson, a retiree who runs the senior aerobics class at the corps. “I like working with the older folks here. I want everyone in the community to know that we’re here to help. I didn’t know all of the services offered until I started volunteering here – now, I want everyone to know!”
Bonnie Matthews (right) and Lanelle McClain (right) work hard every week to ensure that every food box is filled with nutritious, well-rounded components.
“We need more volunteers!” says Debra Lavalais, a retired city of Pontiac employee. “We want to give back to the community as much as possible, and a few hours a week here make a huge difference.”
“I love giving back to the community that has done so much for me,” says Philip Waters, 27. “I’ve been a volunteer for over 10 years and a member of the corps since I was born. I love that the focus here is helping others and growing closer to God.”
“I love the camaraderie here,” says Bonnie Matthews, who volunteers at the corps twice a week. “Since I retired, I’ve been coming to help here. One of the biggest needs in the city is utility assistance, and we provide that here. It’s a welcoming, friendly environment here, like a big family. If you need help, we’re here for you!”
The Community Speaks
Everyone in the drive through line expressed gratitude for the services offered at the corps, and we had the opportunity to speak to some of them as they received their food box.
“Food stamps just don’t cut it, so I can really use the extra help,” says Stephanie Mullen. “I thank God for the service you provide. I pray for the volunteers here, that they’ll be able to keep doing this for us.”
“The food box is great for me and my family,” says Judith Payne, 77. “I’m on Social Security, so the extra help goes further than most people realize. I come here for the Christmas programs as well.”
“I take care of my grandchildren, so this is a big help,” says Walter Robinson, 70. “I’m excited to join the aerobics exercise program, too!”
“My wife and I love The Salvation Army,” says Campbell, 65.
“I was laid off, and a friend told me to get help here,” says Mary Bell, 74. “It means a lot. I have a couple of grandchildren living with me.”
Want to volunteer at the Pontiac Corps Community Center? Contact Mike.Lewis@usc.salvationarmy.org or click here.