Meet two of our beloved volunteers, Marilyn and Herb! Volunteering three days each week, this couple is widely loved and recognized by our volunteers and customers. Marilyn has been volunteering since 2004 and does “about a dozen tasks,” such as replenishing racks and shelves with various clothing items. She has an eye for what needs to be done around the store and always does it with a smile. Herb has been joining Marilyn at New 2 You since 2010 and tests and prepares electronics. Behind the scenes, he also prepares financial and analytical reports with data from the cash registers on sales and product departments, making him an essential part of our store operations and planning. 

Marilyn and Herb have found a very special community of volunteers and customers at New 2 You. They love being able to catch up with their friends and serve together. When the couple comes home, they are always excited to share stories from their day at the store with each other. Marilyn also mentioned that one of her favorite parts about volunteering is interacting with customers, being seen as a friendly face to many, and cheering them up on occasion. These interactions are “what keep them young,” Marilyn noted.

When asked what inspires the couple to continue volunteering, Herb answered that he “loves to contribute time and effort that’s necessary to help the Grand Rapids Christian students to help with their tuition payments. That’s really what it’s all about.” Volunteering, they explained, gives them purpose in their retired years. They can confidently say that volunteering has done more for them and their wellbeing than they could ever return to New 2 You as a volunteer. 

We’re so grateful for Marilyn and Herb’s heart of service in everything that they do! Thank you, Marilyn and Herb!