The Good Life – November-December 2017

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LOCAL HERO // THE SALVATION ARMY Medlock says that’s the good life — serving people. “It’s the most important thing we do,” she says. “It’s both the easiest and often the hardest thing we do.” Soap Then Salvation In 2016, the Fargo Salvation Army distributed more than 1,000 personal care kits of shampoo, soap, toilet paper and other hygiene items to people in need. Other aspects of the family services arm of the organization include offering transportation, prescription and housing assistance. No matter what program you think of when you hear “Salvation Army”, the work wouldn’t be possible without the army of nearly 10,000 volunteers powering them. “We couldn’t do all of this without them,” says Volunteer Coordinator Julie Rivenes. “These people keep us going. They are amazing.” Nancy Hagen and Sandi Swor are two such amazing volunteers. Swor took a quick break from serving breakfast to explain her dedication to the organization, which started more than 5 years ago. She’s volunteered with nearly every service and she does it all with a generous spirit. “It’s fun to meet these people,” she says. “I treat them all with respect.” Hagen was brought to the organization years ago through bell ringing with her church, but kept coming back to experience more volunteer opportunities. “It’s just a wonderful place to volunteer,” she says. “I get so much more out of it than I could ever hope to give.” Julie Rivenes 34 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
Though she still helps ring bells, Hagen also assists with the Cuts and Coats events, food baskets, EDS, and serving breakfast once a week with her husband. “I just enjoy being here,” she says. “I enjoy wishing them a good day, because often they appreciate just a smile.” The smiles abound whenever the events involve kids, but it’s not just the children who appreciate the winter wear. “When the kids get a new jacket, they’re just so excited,” Hagen says. “Those things reward me.” She tells a story of a woman who came into get her child a coat but needed one herself, though she was skeptical one her size was available. Hagen found one, though, and the woman cried tears of joy. “She said she hadn’t had a winter coat in three years,” Hagen remembers. Serving that need — and the needs of so many others — is what has driven Medlock and her husband for more than three decades. But come June, they’ll hang up their Salvation Army uniforms for the civilian clothes of retirees while a new husband and wife duo settles in to lead the Fargo organization. “It’s not the job I ever dreamed of doing but I can’t imagine not doing it,” she says. Medlock says that’s the good life — serving people. “It’s the most important thing we do,” she says. “It’s both the easiest and often the hardest thing we do.” • Like many nonprofit organizations, the Salvation Army relies on the generosity of people to donate many of the items used regularly. The items always of greatest need include toilet paper, diapers (size 5), and gloves and socks for adults. urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 35
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The Good Life – November-December 2017

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