Meet Our Volunteers
The nitty-gritty work at Mission for Area People does not get done by the staff, it is done by volunteers featured below (and many others) who give unconditionally of themselves. Thank you for all you do for MAP!
Madonna Borgerding has been volunteering at MAP since she retired in 1996. She volunteered first in the Food Pantry from 1996 to 1999 and in 1999, she was asked to be the Coordinator for our Clothing Pantry, which she has done for the past 10 years. Madonna not only volunteers many hours in the Clothing Pantry, but also the Food Pantry, and at Supper House when needed through her church, Lake Harbor UMC. She also volunteers during the Back-to-School Backpack Give-away as well as our Christmas Toy Give-away. Thirteen years of solid dedication to our organization is very much appreciated.
According to Madonna, “When I started volunteering, it was a way to use up a few extra hours I had after retiring, a way to help others. But as time passed, I find it has really helped me understand others and realize how blessed I am in so many ways”.
Mission for Area People also thanks Joan Eklund, Madonna’s sister, for volunteering her time in the Clothing Pantry for the past 10 years. Joan is also a gifted painter and painted the murals found in the Clothing Pantry and Food Pantry. Thank you Joan for your 10 years of dedicated service to Mission for Area People.
If you give Mary Hubbell a chance to help out, she sure will help!
For nearly 20 years, Mary has been a volunteer mainstay at Mission for Area People. “It’s just something to do. I’ve always volunteered,” she said. But whenever she seeks “just something to do”, it always involves helping others.
Mary started with MAP “before 1991 when we first started the food pantry”. She was in the auxiliary at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church and also on the Missions Committee. Now she helps with the food pantry and the clothing distribution. “I put all the clients’ and volunteers’ hours in the computer database and at Thanksgiving, I’m in charge of the Thanksgiving baskets. During the Christmas holidays, I help with the Christmas Toy Giveaway, sign people in and out, and if necessary, help them pick out their gifts.”
Mary was born in the area, but moved around for a time, as her late husband was in the military. Mary and her son, Steven, moved back to the area about 23 years ago. She says, “I’m religious to some degree. I very seldom miss a Sunday in church.” She spends 10-15 hours a week as a volunteer at MAP, in addition to volunteering at her church.
“I like to help others,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to help out.” Mary said that right now the biggest needs are household items. “They’re scarce right now and men’s clothing is pretty scarce too.”
Mary has also spent 10 years in charge of getting the MAP newsletter out in the mail. Thank you Mary, for all you do at Mission for Area People!
Marilyn Scott and her husband, John, moved to Muskegon in 1997 from Indiana. Recently retired, John was an engineer for Dana Corporation. They have two children and four grandchildren and are members of Community United Methodist Church in North Muskegon.
When Marilyn Scott finds some time on her hands, she knows what to do with it – she helps people. For the past 11 years, she has been volunteering in the MAP Food Pantry, Clothing Pantry, and Supper House. Marilyn is also co-chair of the MAP Auxiliary and she still finds time to volunteer at the American Red Cross.
“I try to go in a least once a week. I spend a lot of time stocking shelves, and try to keep it organized,” she said. Marilyn added, “My association with MAP has been a blessing as I have a lot of time on my hands and I can help others at the same time. MAP does a lot of good, helps a lot of people.”
It is dedicated people like Marilyn Scott who make a difference at MAP and in our community. Thank you Marilyn, for making our mission your mission! We’re sad to say that Marilyn has gone back to Indiana to be with her family. We’ll miss you terribly Marilyn!
Mary Jane Wiegmink has been a phone volunteer at Mission for Area People for the past 6 years. She previously volunteered at Love, Inc. for 12 years under the supervision of MAP director, Diana Wright Stubbs.
Mary Jane is retired from the Nursing Department at Muskegon Community College. She brings with her, her knowledge from the medical field, which is very helpful when screening clients for medications.
Mary Jane is active in her church, Forest Park Covenant, MARSP, was an usher at the Frauenthal Theater, and enjoys reading, traveling, and exercising at Age Well Services. She has 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mary Jane is eager to fill in when ever needed. She never hesitates to lend a helping hand. Thank you Mary Jane, for your years of dedicated service to your community!
Lois McAllister has been volunteering at MAP for the past 7 years. She volunteers in the office, and has for many years, helped with our Christmas Toy Give-Away Program.
Prior to coming to MAP, Lois volunteered at Love Inc. under the supervision of Diana Wright Stubbs. She also volunteers at the Red Cross, Senior Transportation, Disaster Services, and as switchboard operator.
Lois has been married to Harold for 55 years. They have 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and are members of the First Free Methodist Church. Lois is a retired nurse.
“I volunteer because it gives me great satisfaction!” Thank you Lois for your years of dedicated service to Mission for Area People and to our community.
Jim McCormick has been volunteering at Mission for Area People for over 12 years!
Jim helps out in the Food Pantry and Clothing Pantry. He also lends a helping hand with electrical jobs that need to be done in the office or pantry.
Jim is a member of Crestwood UMC, where he and his wife, Marilyn (deceased), have attended for over 40 years. He has four children and five grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and going on mission trips.
Thank you Jim for all you do at Mission for Area People!
