We have heard and shared stories from so many of you about volunteers in our community or directly from numerous inspiring volunteers across our counties. Thank you so much for sharing your stories! This is the first of three blog posts celebrating all of the volunteers that we have featured on social media. Thank you for all that do in Jasper and Newton Counties. You truly make us Love Where We Live!
Barb Federer
Remington Food Pantry
“Barb Federer helped move The Remington Food Pantry to its temporary location, has gotten all volunteers, and really knows those clients. The Remington Food pantry will relocate to a permanent home in the fall. Barb has had a positive voice in our community, and had a number of donations,” says friend Patricia Berger.
Fun fact
Barb once baked and iced 30 dozen cupcakes for a food pantry fundraiser, and they sold out very early!
Ron Sheffler
Urban Forestry Council
“Ron Sheffler inspires me and the Urban Forestry Council to continue our efforts so we can be proud of the greening of Rensselaer,” says friend and coworker, Karen Stanley.
“Maintaining our urban forest has a positive impact on the sustainability of the environment. Ron targets areas to plant trees and researches species for planting the right tree for the right place. He orders trees and makes planting dates. He even keeps computer data inventory on trees planted and those taken down, which includes an inventory of all trees in the city.”
Toni Hayden
Lincoln PTO President
“Toni Hayden stepped up to be Lincoln PTO President when our organization was just forming. She isn’t afraid of a challenge or hard work and comes to every meeting with solid ideas and a plan. She is passionate about helping the kids in our community and building up our schools,” says Sara DeYoung, a fellow volunteer at Lincoln Elementary PTO.
Linda Duttlinger
Sorrowful Mother Food Pantry
“Linda works at the food pantry every day, day in and day out, and has done it for years now. She never asks for anything and gives her own money to help out when times are tough for donations. She never says no and she will deliver food to people that can’t come and get it. She’s so concerned about everybody and everybody’s welfare and well-being!” – Janice, a friend of Linda’s.
Russ Martin
Little Cousin Jasper Festival
“Russ has volunteered for Little Cousin Jasper Festival since its beginning in 1972. He has announced Parades for everyone forever,” says Pat Fox, a good friend of Russ. “The sports world is his passion. He is the “VOICE OF JASPER COUNTRY.” In my dozen years with LCJ, there has been nothing he wouldn’t jump right in and help with. Many late nights packing up the movie screen, serving concessions, and editing us to sound like pros on the radio. Through rain, sleet, wind, and more rain, he is always there.”
Bob Ross
Morocco Nutrition Site
“He is a dedicated volunteer serving with us daily at our Morocco Nutrition Site, setting up tables, starting coffee, prepping meals, dishes, and cleanup. He loves visiting and staying active and has a heart for the community. He has served for many years and meets a great need for our people.”
Know a Great Volunteer?
We are always looking for more volunteers to celebrate and inspire others. You can share your story or how someone you know inspires you here: