Volunteering For The Salvation Army: A Family Legacy
In our efforts to highlight our volunteers from around Metro Detroit, we sat down for a Q & A with Lori Chappell, who can trace her family’s work with The Salvation Army back to her grandparents. She is a stalwart volunteer at the Warren Corps Community Center, showing up multiple days a week to give her all for others.
Q: How did you first get involved with The Salvation Army?
A: About 20 years ago, a friend of mine was volunteering during Christmas and invited me to come along. I knew a lot about The Salvation Army’s work beforehand because my family frequently volunteered there, and my grandparents attended the senior luncheon in Warren. I went along with my friend to help with the toy shop and had a great time. When I became disabled and out of work a short while later, my family volunteered me for the Warren Corps Community Center’s Christmas toy distribution. I guess they decided that I needed something to do! I’ve been involved ever since with the food pantry, Christmas programs, our seniors, and really anything else that needs to be done.
I would also say that volunteering is just part of who I am. I have been volunteering since high school, and growing up my family always found a place to volunteer. At one point, we had four generations at the Christmas toy shop. My grandma was 98 years old and still volunteering shortly before she passed away.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a volunteer here?
A: When I’m here, I know that I’m helping people who can’t necessarily help themselves. People come here for all sorts of reasons: food, internet access, utility assistance, encouragement, prayer, or just the opportunity to connect with someone else. I love serving everyone who comes through our doors.
Q: Is there a face or a story that sticks out to you lately from volunteering?
A: We have an elderly woman named Martha who comes here regularly for food. Her nephew was like a big brother to me, and he passed away recently. Martha has become a near and dear part of our corps family. She is in danger of losing her housing because of back taxes, but we are trying to get her the assistance she needs. She’s the kind of person that motivates me to volunteer and help others.
Q: If there was one thing you could say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with The Salvation Army, what would it be?
A: I have had friends and family who are not sure about The Salvation Army and the work they do. I’m always happy to explain how the breadth of the programs meet so many needs in the community and that the resources are used efficiently and wisely.
Q: Any big volunteer needs at the corps right now?
A: Every part of the year presents different challenges and tasks, and volunteers are always needed! Right now, our biggest need is help doing landscaping and cleanup work. We want to make our grounds as clean and beautiful as possible.
To volunteer at the Warren Corps Community Center, get started here!