United Way’s Volunteer of the Year ~ Jill Christie

Jill

Christie possesses a warm welcoming presence, one that carries over into her service as a volunteer. When the Damiano center opened in 1982, Christie was asked to join a group of friends that started the community kitchen. And she has been there ever since, serving the guests each month.

“From the beginning we were told that we better not eat in the kitchen, we better get out and eat with the guests,” Christie reminisces.

She knew the work was needed then, as it still is needed today.

“It became a passion of mine,” Christie said. “There’s a lack of asking questions. I loved that point of view. You walked in that door, you were respected. You were our guests. And that stays to this day.”

Do Unto Others

Hanging in Christie’s kitchen in her Duluth home is a picture showing a multitude of people from all backgrounds, races, and religions. The words read “Do onto others, as you would have them do unto you,” a quote from the Bible. Christie explains the picture was given to her by her mother. She recalls growing up and sitting around the table, talking about the issues of the day and how to help others.

“My grandmother’s door was always open,” Christie said.

This example carried Christie into her volunteer service and she remains passionate about the need that exists in the community.

“I love it,” she exclaimed. “I love to walk in that door and know that this is so necessary.”

She has a deep understanding of the needs of others and is able to selflessly give of her time and energy. Executive Director Seth Currier says, “I appreciate Jill's dedication, the fact that she speaks her mind, and that she cares about the people in our community.”

The center has changed throughout the years and so has her duties as a volunteer. At the beginning, Christie and her friends would bring the food and cook it themselves, wash the dishes, and mop the floors. Now she helps with prep work and serves the meals. With a chef there to cook the meals, Christie is able to interact with the guests and they are the reason she keeps coming back.

“They are so thankful, I see the face of God in them,” she said.

Open Invitation

Not only does Christie serve, she recruits others including her children and grandchildren who have served alongside her. After her late husband retired, he started volunteering as well. And she welcomes others to join her.

“I still go down once a month, in fact tomorrow is the day. You can come,” she said with a grin and a laugh. Inviting others is just part of her nature and volunteers are needed as there are over 250 guests served.

This past May, Christie received the United Way volunteer of the year award for her service. A dinner was held at the DECC, with over 300 people in attendance, including members of her family.

“Jill is a great volunteer,” Currier said. “She has a heart for the guests at the Damiano.”

As a volunteer at the Damiano Center for over 37 years, Christie is a model of true selfless giving. She invites you to join her! D

To volunteer at the Damiano Center, visit https://www.damianocenter.org/ volunteer.

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