Meet the 2024 Volunteers of the Year
The Salvation Army Northern Division is celebrating our volunteers throughout April. Check our Facebook page and news feed regularly this month to read stories about the incredible people who donate their time to help The Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota. Find volunteer opportunities near you.
Salvation Army Northern Division volunteers are remarkable people. Nearly 20,000 of them are scattered throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, helping us do the most good in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between. They cook and serve hot meals, ring bells at Christmastime, help disaster survivors, push paperwork, mentor at-risk kids, and so much more.
Of all our volunteers, several stand out for their uncommon grit, grace and dedication. They are our 2024 Volunteers of the Year: Robert Brough, Dave Frazier, Paul F Gauerke, Dean Lyons, Charlie Peck, Armond Smith, Sandi Swor, and Josh and Becca Vanderberg.
“Congratulations to this year’s Volunteers of the Year,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Their heart for helping others epitomizes the spirit of The Salvation Army and our commitment to serving those most in need.”
Divisional (MN and ND)
Exemplary Volunteer: Sandi Swor
Location: Fargo, N.D.
Years of service: 10
Sandi Swor volunteers three times a week for the breakfast and lunch programs at the Fargo Salvation Army, always wearing a smile on her face. She also takes the initiative to deep clean and maintain a presentable environment for our meal guests.
Her generosity doesn't stop there. During the Red Kettle season, she goes above and beyond by volunteering two additional times a week to sort kettles. Even when dealing with difficult times – such as the recent loss of her mother-in-law – she shows up for The Salvation Army and her resilience shines through.
Sandi's love for The Salvation Army extends to all our activities throughout the year. From checking kids for lice, to helping shop for children’s coats, to distributing Thanksgiving food baskets, she is always there – ready to make a difference through her volunteer work.
“We are truly grateful for Sandi's unwavering commitment and outstanding devotion to The Salvation Army,” said Shannon Cole, Business Administrator at the Fargo Salvation Army. “She consistently goes above and beyond to serve our community. Her dedication is truly admirable.”
Family, Group or Business: Josh and Becca Vanderberg
Location: Mankato, Minn.
Years of service: 5
Josh and Becca Vanderberg embody a spirit of service and dedication to the Mankato Salvation Army's mission.
They are regular fixtures at our special events, always ready to lend a hand in serving meals or ringing the bell for fundraising efforts. Their unwavering support is a testament to their passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
Additionally, Josh's commitment is evident in his pivotal role with the local Salvation Army advisory board, where he provides steadfast leadership. Despite his busy schedule as a successful entrepreneur, Josh prioritizes his role as a husband and father of five adorable children. Together, he and Becca homeschool their children, instilling in them the values of compassion and service from an early age.
“The Vanderbergs’ dedication to their family and The Salvation Army's mission is an inspiration to us all,” said Leslie Johnson, Business Administrator at the Mankato Salvation Army. “Their service reminds us of the importance of selflessness and community engagement in creating positive change in the world.”
Legacy: Paul F. Gauerke
Location: St. Cloud, Minn.
Years of service: 8
Paul Gauerke may have passed in 2023, but his legacy of service and love continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to serving others. Every week for nearly a decade, he could be found at the St. Cloud Salvation Army helping to serve meals to members of the community.
When Paul wasn’t at The Salvation Army, his heart for service extended to the bedsides of the sick and dying. Volunteering with the “No One Dies Alone Ministry” at St. Cloud Hospital, he offered comfort and companionship to those facing their final moments, ensuring that no one passed away without the warmth of human presence.
Paul also dedicated countless hours to distributing Bibles through Gideon's International, spreading the word of faith far and wide. His passion for this mission led him on a remarkable journey to Africa, where he distributed an astonishing 35,000 Bibles, touching the lives of countless individuals with the power of God's word.
“Even in retirement, Paul's spirit of service never waned,” said Laura Douvier, Volunteer Coordinator at the St. Cloud Salvation Army. “He continued to volunteer, travel, and seek out opportunities to minister to others in need. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the communities he enriched through his selfless acts of kindness and compassion.”
Lifetime: Charlie Peck
Location: Brainerd, Minn.
Years of service: 20+
Charlie Peck is an integral part of the Brainerd Salvation Army, serving people in northern Minnesota for over two decades.
Rain or shine, he spends untold hours stocking and organizing the food shelf every single day.
He has also spent many years volunteering at the local Salvation Army thrift store, sorting donations, hanging clothes, helping customers, and more. His efforts have helped the store sell more merchandise, which in turn has earned the Brainerd Salvation Army more money to help locals in need.
“I’m all over this store,” Charlie quipped in a Salvation Army newsletter from 2016. “I’m friendly and I joke a little. It’d be boring if I couldn’t talk to people.”
Of course, Charlie is anything but boring.
“His dedication has made him a familiar face in this community, known by name to all who seek assistance,” said Faith Rono, Social Services Lead Coordinator at the Brainerd Salvation Army. “Charlie is a symbol of dedication and service in our neighborhood.”
Twin Cities
Exemplary volunteer: Robert Brough
Location: Northeast Minneapolis
Years of service: 10+
With a heart full of love and a smile that lights up any room, Robert Brough embodies the essence of service and joy.
For over a decade, Robert has been a dedicated volunteer at the Central Salvation Army in Northeast Minneapolis, assisting every month of the year.
During the Christmas season, he rings bells at the Red Kettles and consistently ranks as a top earner.
On Sundays, he actively participates in worship at the Northeast Minneapolis Salvation Army and leads prayers before each sermon. He also leads a Men's Bible Study group with engaging lessons and deep-dives into scripture.
“His passion for sharing the word of God is palpable, inspiring all who attend,” said Captain Amanda Hoscheit, Northeast Minneapolis Salvation Army administrator.
During spring, summer and fall, Robert tirelessly rides his bike across the neighborhood, lending a helping hand at multiple food pantries, including ours. He offers prayer to countless people he encounters.
“Robert's unwavering dedication and warm spirit shine as bright as his favorite color – purple, a nod to his die-hard Prince fandom,” Hoscheit added. “His presence is a beacon of Christ's love, touching the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to know him. We are truly grateful for Robert and the light he brings into our lives.”
Family, Group or Business: Dave “Red” Frazier
Location: St. Paul, Eastside
Years of service: 2
Dave Frazier – known by everybody as “Red” – is a local business owner and a symbol of compassion and generosity.
His bond with the Eastside Salvation Army in St. Paul formed several years ago, during the creation of our local Youth Appreciation Event, which serves as a celebration for our community's children and teens before they head back to school.
As the owner of Just Imagine clothing store, Red rallied community businesses and nonprofits to support the event, including local barbers and hairstylists who gave the kids confidence-boosting makeovers. In addition, Red donated many clothes and shoes.
“This event has become a beloved tradition, thanks to Red's infectious positivity and unwavering commitment,” said Marney Lofgren, Volunteer Coordinator at the Eastside Salvation Army. “Red is not just a successful entrepreneur – he is also a role model, teaching our youth the importance of hard work and determination.”
Red is also a beacon of hope for those facing tough times, offering them comfort and support through simple acts of kindness. He embodies the power of compassion and community, leaving a legacy of inspiration.
Youth: Armond Smith
Location: St. Paul, Eastside
Years of service: 1.5
Armond Smith moved from Mississippi to Minnesota in 2022 to live with his father, who volunteers at the Eastside Salvation Army in St. Paul.
Armond soon began volunteering at the Eastside Salvation Army as well, and now he helps out all the time, including:
- Assisting youth after school and in Summer Day Camp
- Cooking and serving hot lunches
- Sorting food donations in the food shelf
“Armond’s involvement over the past two years has shown remarkable growth, particularly in his compassion and empathy,” said Marney Lofgren, Volunteer Coordinator at the Eastside Salvation Army. “His dedication to personal growth and community engagement is evident in his pursuits.”
Beyond his community service, Armond is active in school, finding a passion for volleyball and excelling in track.
Lifetime: Dean Lyons
Location: Brooklyn Park
Years of service: 10+
For more than a decade, Dean Lyons has been bending over backward to help any and everyone he can at the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army.
Example: Last Christmas, when Dean heard the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army needed more drivers to help set up Red Kettles every day, he cancelled his bowling league and enlisted his teammates to help every night between 8–10 p.m. In addition, he personally rang bells nearly 50 hours while maintaining his full-time job.
Outside of the Red Kettle season, Dean remains a fixture at the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, helping with an array of weekly activities such as:
- Weekly pickups for the food pantry
- Teaching children’s Sunday School
- Leading men’s fellowship activities
“Dean is a tremendous volunteer – he will do any job or duty we ask him to do,” said Captain TJ Simmons, Brooklyn Park Salvation Army administrator. “He is wonderful man of God and we are blessed to have him.”
Please join The Salvation Army's mission of serving others by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.