Volunteering: Spirit of giving

By Molly Ovenden

Each week faithful volunteers dedicate time toward making the Northland a better place to live. From feeding people, sending birthday cards and teaching classes to packing hygiene products and caring for orphaned kitties, the opportunities to embrace the spirit of giving this season are endless.

Through various organizations, the following women represent a wider collective of those who truly embody the spirit of giving. Each gal feels compelled to spend time making a difference in others’ lives, without desiring recognition, but to inspire others to do the same.

Bonnie Jusczak

A volunteer candy striper at St. Luke’s at age 15, Bonnie Jusczak realized she didn’t have to wait for adulthood to make a difference.

Volunteering was “meaningful and helpful … even as a teenager,” she said.

“It's so much fun serving with Bonnie,” said Michele DeNoble, pastoral assistant at Duluth Vineyard. “She has such a big heart for welcoming people in and helping them feel comfortable in any environment, whether it’s here at Duluth Vineyard on Sundays, or with the moms at the Women’s Care Center. She truly cares for people with the heart of Jesus.”

Juwsczak’s involvement at church has included greeting, laundry and bookstore duties. What started as a church group bringing muffins for the WCC’s clients, resulted in Jusczak facilitating a twice-monthly parenting class at the WCC.

“She’s seriously the best,” said Jodi Sorvari, parenting class and volunteer coordinator at Duluth WCC.

“She really, truly makes (the clients) feel special,” Sorvari said.

“I was adopted through Lutheran Social Services in Duluth,” Jusczak said.

In 1960, the type of help offered through WCC wasn’t available.

“I just want them to know they’re not alone, whatever circumstances, planned or unplanned, I’m with them,” Jusczak said.

“If I can convey a heart that cares,” Jusczak said, “that’s a success.”

Candy Madich

Candy Madich, 71, moved to Duluth in 2010 to retire near family.

“After a 38-year career in education, and a life of blessings received, it was time to give back,” Madich said.

She’s volunteered with Animal Allies over 11 years, starting as a Cat Buddy (e.g.: cleaning, brushing, feeding, caring for cats and kittens) and is on the board of directors since 2016, currently the chair.

“Candy has always been a tremendous supporter of our mission and our work,” said volunteer coordinator Shirley De la Torre.

“I’m a lifelong, over-the-top animal lover!” she said. Madich’s favorite part is comforting “very shy or frightened cats, winning their trust and watching them realize that it will be OK,” she said.

Knowing how well the team cares for the animals gives her peace of mind, making it easier to leave at the end of the day, and return the next time. She’s part of the wider team.

With such an affinity for animal well-being, Madich has actually adopted four cats from the shelter.

“We are so proud of our Candy and so very grateful for her!” said De la Torre.

She loves volunteering at the hospital’s research library and at her church.

“It’s kind of contagious,” she said.

Continued on page 28

As a volunteer with CHUM, Lynn Schubitz has interviewed visitors to the food shelf and helped distribute nearly 200 food boxes each week over the last year during the pandemic. “I have to look at people in the eye. Greet them. Smile,” Shubitz said.

Lynn Shubitz

Retirement instigated volunteerism for Lynn Shubitz, 76. She’s served with CHUM ever since.

Shubitz consciously connects with people to honor and respect them, appreciating diversity in jobs, ethnicities and abilities.

Volunteering keeps her grounded. And the people she serves?

“Oh, I want to make them smile,” she said.

“Lynn Shubitz and all of our volunteers are the heart of the CHUM Food Shelf. I am grateful for all they do to help us continue to provide food, nutrition, dignity, health, hope and especially love to thousands of Duluthians every year,” said Scott Van Daele, director of distributive services.

For Shubitz, Duluth is home and it’s “where I want to give my money and time and connect with the people here,” she said.

“CHUM Food Shelf volunteers like Ms. Shubitz are truly our heroes, each and every one. We could not do the amazing work we do without their help,” Van Daele said.

Shubitz’s counseling background with Lutheran Social Services, through implementing a grant and managing Bethany Crisis Nursery, inspired her lifelong commitment to serve people in times of need.

Continued on page 30

Walking alongside those she serves at CHUM, Shubitz listens to their stories and fosters relational connection with people, encouraging others to do the same.

“There’s such a need in the community to volunteer,” Shubitz said, ”There is a spot for you.”

Nancy Carlson

“I love people,” said Duluth resident Nancy Carlson, 66.

Carlson’s faith compels her to volunteer.

Hebrews 12:23 inspires her: “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Carlson is thankful for her church family who have been there when she needed help in her life. Her gratitude and enjoyment of community compels her servant heart.

“Oh, somebody does see me!” Carlson said.

That’s how Carlson felt when she was a child and her friend stood up for her. She wants others to experience that same element of care and attention.

While attending her church, Duluth Vineyard, she’s helped with stuffing church bulletins, prayer ministry, kids ministry, the food shelf, and in-prison ministry writing and sending birthday cards to prisoners.

“It’s darn fun!” Carlson said.

Casey LaCore, associate pastor at Duluth Vineyard Church said, “Nancy has been a faithful volunteer for well over a decade. The quality that stands out the most to me is her compassion and selflessness. She has experienced difficulties in life and instead of letting that make her bitter, it has made her more compassionate.”

Carlson loves helping animals, too. She’s been a volunteer at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, helping take care of bears since 1995.

Jaci Christiansen

Jaci Christiansen, community engagement coordinator at Safe Haven, empowers volunteers to make a difference in the lives of those whom Safe Haven serves.

“(Christiansen’s) work to inspire others to share their time in service to survivors of domestic violence is a shining light in a field that can so often be very dark,” said Executive Director Brittany Robb.

Many volunteer roles aren’t glamorous, but valuable. Each survivor receives a hygiene bag, packed by a volunteer. With volunteers, survivors can pass the GED test, furthering education and higher-paying employment opportunities.

The “impact of something as simple as putting away a food order,” Christiansen said, means staff can reallocate time and energy to be more client-focused.

Christensen “helps volunteers recognize the wholeness of their contribution to our mission," Robb said.

Often children from families with domestic violence have lost key adults in their lives.

“Our volunteers provide another person for youth to look up to,” Christiansen said.

Volunteering changes lives, forever making the Northland area an even better place to be.

“It’s not just finding the work that matches with you, but the mission of the organization matches with you, too,” Christiansen said. D

OFFER AVAILABLEONLINEONLY. Purchase$150 in gift cards, receiveone $25 promotionalgiftcertificate. Purchasegift cards arevalid forstays starting January 3, 2022and do notexpire. Promotional gift certificates arevalid for stays January3 -December 31, 2022. The expiration dateonthe promotional giftcertificatewillnot be extended and the certificate must be used in its entiretyduring thevisit. No refunds forthe unused portion of the promotional certificate.

PLEASENOTE: Orders areprocessedoff-siteand willbemailed. Allow7-10 days forprocessing priortoshipping. Orders cannotbepickedupatthe property.ToguaranteedeliverybyDecember 24,orders must be placed by December 13. The Innisnoteresponsible forUSPS delays

We’reproud to serve this incredible community.Wishinga holiday seasonfull of warmth, joy and togetherness for all.