Page 12 - Leisure Living Magazine Holiday 2018

Volunteers
Continued from page 11
She has traditionally crafted Christening Gowns from her stash of wedding gown fabrics, but now she also makes these beautiful Angel Gowns. Her God-given talents reap blessings on families for both joyous moments and sorrowful occasions for our littlest ones. Her work is truly a blessing for all.
The Embodiment Of Volunteerism - Joe Stys By Susanne Tomaschek, Feature Writer
Meet Joe Stys. He is the embodiment of the Salvation Army’s raison d’être, which ever since 1865 has been: “The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever, and however we can.” (salvationarmyusa.org)
Little did Joe know that one day in 2008, as he was driving to the Danbury Senior Center, a series of events would change his life forever. On that particular day he came upon a fellow driver whose car was completely destroyed in an unfortunate encounter with a deer. Joe, being Joe, did what he always does. He stopped and helped him with his immediate needs. He drove the man from Pennsylvania to the senior center where this man telephoned the local branch of The Salvation Army for further assistance. Later, this man returned to the senior center and thanked Joe again for his help. He also expressed deep appre- ciation for the people at the Salvation Army for their limitless kindness and generosity in his time of need. It was at that instant that Joe was inspired to become a volunteer in this “army.”
Now, Joe is no stranger to volunteerism. He is a present member and former Grand Knight of
the Knights of Columbus, a present member and former Commander in the American Legion, a former volunteer at Magruder Hospital as a greet- er at the front desk, a volunteer at the Veterans Home’s Hospice Program in Sandusky, an usher and Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a “Bell Ringer” and volunteer for The Salvation Army since his retirement in 2008 from Republic Steel. When asked why he chose to volun- teer at the Salvation Army, Joe says: “They showed genuine generosity, and I have seen it myself, first hand. The administration sets a good example for volunteerism, and I believe in the Salvation Army because they give so much to so many.”
When asked what his strongest personal qual- ity is, he beams and immediately responds: “I’m very assertive! And I love people!” Yes, Joe! This is the true spirit of volunteerism!
Joe Stys
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12 |LeisureLiving Holiday 2018
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