Volunteering will make you smile. Jeff Spicer, Maribeth Roncz and Bill Stockton enjoy giving of their time and talents.
Yes, they tend to smile.
April is National Volunteer Month and Global Volunteer Month. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 75 million people volunteered for organizations from September 2022 to September 2023. That is 30% of the U.S. population over the age of 16.
Sure, that number counts informal volunteers who help the neighbor to dig out a snowbound car and bring in groceries. But there are a lot of people who head to food kitchens weekly, tutor a child or walk a rescue dog on Saturdays.
Locally, hundreds of people dig in and help with escorting, loading, sorting, helping, cleaning, tutoring and whatever is needed. Sometimes it is listening or holding a hand.
Marijo Martinec, executive director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, said volunteers are the “heart and soul” of an organization such as the food bank. “They are on the front line. They take pride in the organization. They are dedicated.”
In 2025, there were 25,197 volunteer hours at the Food Bank, Marijo said. Hours were donated by University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and Indiana University South Bend students; high school students; companies; university faculty; retirees and clubs.
Marijo said she knows that “giving feels good” and that the community thrives when citizens volunteer. “We couldn’t do all that we do.”
Nan Tulchinsky and Jim Kapsa coordinate the volunteers at the Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry on North Notre Dame Avenue. Nan said the pantry has about 45 volunteers who contribute time once a month or more. Many are members of Sacred Heart Parish and are committed to the neighborhood.
“When I find out that a person wants to volunteer but isn’t sure what to do, I tell them to stop by the center for a half an hour,” Nan said. From there, they are hooked and sign up.
Jim said that besides the food pantry, he volunteers with the Kiwanis and Forever Learning Institute. “It would be easy for me to stay on a couch. I am committed to the community. I do it to help out where I live.”
Now for some high praise of volunteering.
Jeff Spicer answers questions at the front desk of Studebaker National Museum and gives tours. He is part of local automobile history. His family’s business was Freeman-Spicer, which sold Studebakers.
The first Studebaker museum was in the former Freeman-Spicer building on Lafayette Boulevard and South Street.
Jeff was part of the car dealership until it closed in 1977. He opened an executive recruiting firm that he headed up until 2024. With newfound retirement, he wanted to invest his time.
“I enjoy meeting people and finding out where they come from. Many people come here because of Notre Dame. Others for the car connections,” Jeff said. “For a school field trip, they are excited to get out.”
Why volunteer? “I back the mission of the museum. I tell people to volunteer and to find their passion,” Jeff said. “Find a connection.”
Bill Stockton has been a docent at The History Museum for more than a year. He loves history, grew up in New Carlisle and remembers wondering who lived in those big houses on Washington Street. He had a career in banking and retired recently. However, his love of history continued.
“For me, being a docent is fulfilling,” he said. “It keeps me active and moving. Then, I enjoy meeting the people from all over the world who come here. India, China, Europe — all over. I love the questions.”
Bill said he studies to keep up with the questions and to keep sharp. “It is fascinating to be here and to volunteer.”
Maribeth Roncz has been a volunteer at the Center for the Homeless for nearly 30 years. She got a tour from Lou Nanni, then-executive director of the center, and was convinced that this was the place to put her talents.
She coordinates volunteers from Granger Community Church as a site leader and liaison. “It all depends on a project. Sometimes it is gardening outside the center; other times, it is Christmas decoration and decking the hall. Other times, it is a food delivery.”
What is the elevator talk about volunteering and why it is important?
“I get a lot more out of this than I give,” Maribeth said. “My work with the guests and the other volunteers is rewarding. It is important to use your life to help others.”
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Meet some of South Bend’s volunteers and hear why it’s rewarding
Reporting by Kathy Borlik, Columnist / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
