Volunteer News
Kokomo Rescue Mission's Jim, Penny and James Long Named "Family Volunteer of the Year" for 2012 by the United Way
Giving, enthusiastic, loyal, hard working, fun, and dedicated only begin to describe the Long Family. Jim, Penny, and James Long do a LOT of everything here at the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Jim and Penny are retired and have filled their time with serving others. They have been volunteering here at the Mission since 2006. They help with Red Ribbon Christmas (in various aspects), Walk a Mile in My Shoes, office work, kitchen (serving to the community), and they are on call. There are weeks that we see them in the Mission every day, but they volunteer at least 2- 3x a week, 4- 8 hours for each day.
Red Ribbon Christmas:
Red Ribbon Christmas last year helped 3,183 people/1,018 families and every single family had to be registered. The Longs helped at Red Ribbon Christmas registration sites almost every day and evening whether it was in town or at an out of town site. This year they even drove in risky winter weather to another county to ensure that everyone who needed assistance had the opportunity to sign up for a Christmas box. They truly want everyone to have a blessed Christmas! After and during registration days they help throughout the year in the Christmas Warehouse making sure toys function properly, which makes a blessed Christmas for all the children. They also helped with filling the Christmas boxes which is a hefty job. Last but definitely not least they helped with delivering the boxes to the people that registered, and asked every single person they delivered to if they could stop and pray with them before they left. They have a warm way of making up a conversation with anyone, and they have a blast doing it! This truly came in handy during Red Ribbon Christmas registration.
Walk a Mile In My Shoes:
The Walk a Mile in My Shoes event is a fundraiser for Open Arms, KRM’s Shelter for homeless women and children. This event is a major source of financial support for Open Arms and the community comes together in a big way to give their support during this event. We had over 1,000 walkers at this year’s event who supported the women and children in Howard and surrounding counties. There is a lot of preparation that goes into this event. Staff members assembled packets for each captain and walker. This was an overwhelming process! But the Longs were willing to come in and put all the packets together for us. We are so blessed by their willingness! To publicize this event banners were placed around the city, and phone calls were made to all of the various churches and businesses to get approval. Without hesitation the Longs came in and made those phone calls so we could work on other items that needed to be completed for this huge event. Their willingness, patience and compassion make the Long family such FANTASTIC volunteers!!
Office Work:
This flexible family is just about willing to do anything! In the past year they have come in the office to assist our staff with filing, mass mailings, shredding boxes and boxes of paperwork along with organizing various other needs in the office. Every time we see them enter the building we are so pleased! We know we will accomplish much and have a great time fellowshipping with them.
The Long Family truly deserves this award!
On April 17, 2012 the Kokomo Tribune featured an article about the Long Family. The following are some excerpts from the article written by Lindsey Ziliak:
'But Jim Long downplayed the family’s contribution.
“I would rather not get any credit for this,” he said. “The Rescue Mission is the greatest thing in this town. I’m proud to be a little, itty-bitty part of it.”
The couple started volunteering when they retired in 2006. They wanted to give back to the community and couldn’t think of a better place than the Rescue Mission. They each found their own place in the organization.
“I love the kids,” said Penny Long, a retired school teacher. She regularly puts on puppet shows for the children at Open Arms Shelter for Women and Families. The kids know her and her puppet now, she said.
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The Longs believe they’re the ones who are blessed.
“We’re just sharing God’s glory,” Penny Long said. “That’s what he wants you to do.” '
Photos from the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held on April 25, 2012....
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| Dick, Bob and Dick are part of the ACS (Amalgamated Can Sorters) team. |
John, Esther, Bonnie and Mike, |
Dr. Jim, Sue and Peggy are part of our year 'round Red Ribbon Christmas team. |
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| Krista Barker and Kem Howell are part of our Women's Ministry Team. Krista shared her her story with the guests at the event. |
Kevin Cox and Teresa Mooney help Director of Food Services, Anthony Brunnemer put the final touches on the desserts for the meal. |
The food was excellent! |
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| Van Taylor, KRM Exec. Director & Mike Fox, KRM Board President helped greet and shared words of appreciation to all our wonderful volunteers. |
A few of the volunteers who assist with the ministry of the Mission. In 2011, they helped provide over 40,000 hours of man-time. |
Clarisse and Esther are |