There’s a certain kind of warmth you feel when you walk into the Community Resource Center (CRC) at St. Andrew’s. It’s not just the bustle of volunteers sorting clothing, greeting guests, or stocking shelves. It’s something deeper—an energy of welcome, shared purpose, and compassion that seems to rise from every corner of the building.
For many CRC volunteers, this work is more than a shift on their calendars. It’s a calling. A community.
A Place That Feels Like Home
For Lisa Ender, her words echo the sentiment many volunteers share: the CRC doesn’t simply offer services. It’s a place to belong.
“I used to work at St. Andrew’s before there was a CRC. When I learned what the CRC did, it seemed like the obvious choice for volunteering—and it felt like coming home again! I enjoy the variety of tasks that need to be done, and I love the friendly people I get to spend time with while I am there. It fills me up!”
— Lisa Ender
A New Rhythm in Retirement
Some volunteers step into this work after major life transitions—like retirement. For Sam Seltz, the shift brought new purpose.
“After retiring two years ago, I had a number of things I had planned to do… One was getting more involved with the CRC. Many of the other things I was going to do didn’t work out, but volunteering with the CRC stuck! It’s given me a place to be challenged a bit, and push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s a pleasure to serve, and it’s an important part of my week.”
— Sam Seltz
Showing Love to Neighbors
Others come with a simple goal—to love their neighbors in a tangible way. Small actions become something you can feel, whether it’s helping someone shop for food, finding the right size of winter coat, or listening with patience.
“In my role at the CRC, I feel I’m showing love to my neighbors, as the pastors challenge us to do. And it’s fulfilling forme as well.”
— Connie Langager
“I am continually amazed by the generosity of the St. Andrew’s congregation and the local community as I sort through both new and used clothing that seems to never end…I wonder if people realize how important these gifts are to those with very little.”
— Mary Beth Seguin
Moments That Stay With You
Many volunteers talk most about the moments that surprise them, the ones that stay lodged in their memory long after their shift ends. Sometimes it’s a look of relief from a parent, sometimes a shy smile from a child. These are reminders of how small acts can have a big impact.
“Some things I enjoy are seeing the kids get so excited to shop for new clothes, hearing guests say thank you… It reminds me of how thankful I should be for everything I have.”
— Cher Rafftery
“The best reward was hearing a 6-year-old girl walk into the room of clothes and say, ‘WOW!’”
— Rhonda Regnier
The Joy of Serving Side by Side
Service at the CRC isn’t solitary. Volunteers describe an unexpected gift: community. For some, it’s even become a family affair. In giving together, people find connection, friendship, and sometimes even healing.
“We’ve built a Thursday morning team that helps each other serve.”
— Susan Tigner
“I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow volunteers… and have felt more at home as a member of St. Andrew’s. What I had forgotten about service is that it gives back tenfold and feeds my soul in this complicated world.”
— Mary Beth Seguin
“Each week I love catching up with regular volunteer friends… Everyone has been so pleasant and kind.”
— Marilyn Heckley
“My granddaughter Emily, who has Down Syndrome, volunteers one day a week with me… It’s a fun family time of giving and learning.”
— Pat Teorey
“The CRC has been a fun opportunity for my mom and I to volunteer together.”
— Rhonda Regnier
Finding Hope Together
Perhaps one of the most powerful stories comes from the early days of the CRC. Hope is not abstract here. It’s food on the table, clean clothes, a safe place for the night. It’s the dignity that comes when given choices. It’s felt in the kindness of strangers.
“One day a woman with two small children came in. They were living in their car… As they left, through tears and hugs, she said, ‘I came in here in desperation and you’ve given me hope.’ And that’s why I volunteer.”
— Pat Whelpley
Why Volunteers Keep Showing Up
For some, the reasons are deeply personal. For others, they’re beautifully simple.
“It’s a fun experience and makes you feel good doing something to help those less fortunate.”
— James Osborn
“I was looking to give back… The reality is, I actually receive so much more than I give.”
— Diane Kwiatkowski
“I feel personal reward from helping those in need… It’s a physical and mental reward for me.”
— Pat Teorey
And then there are the top 10 reasons from volunteer Kathy Stauff—funny, heartfelt, and perfectly true:
- “Keeps me busy and out of trouble
- Better workout than the gym
- I meet grateful, kind people
- I can spread kindness
- God has blessed me
- It’s fun
- I’ve been in their shoes
- Jesus uses me
- The world needs more light
- I’ve created a second family.”
A Family Made of Helpers
If there’s one thing every volunteer seems to agree on, it’s this: serving at the CRC is not just a job. It’s a place to serve where gratitude flows both ways.
And for many, it’s become a place to belong. Learn more about volunteer opportunities by contacting Laura Francis, CRC Volunteer & Hospitality Coordinator.
For our CRC volunteers, click HERE for a special thank you from the CRC Staff!