Volunteer Spotlight

Peggy Hawkins - Chosen Adult Volunteer of the Year by the United Way

Peggy is a singularly devoted key to the success of the Red Ribbon Christmas Outreach. Eleven months out of the year, Peggy can be found upstairs in the Kokomo Rescue Mission warehouse in the “Christmas Department.” Jokingly, some folks have called her one of Santa’s elves. However, Santa has nothing to do with her motivation. She loves God and said, “[Volunteering] is a way to live out your faith. It is that relationship with [Jesus] that makes us all equally valued and we can all have a relationship with Him. It is not about who we are, it is about who He is. We could all lose our possessions through a variety of reasons, but God’s love for us never changes!”

Peggy has been a faithful volunteer for over 18 years! She averages 15-20 hours a week, some weeks as many as 40 hours! She has genuine compassion for families who cannot afford to provide a Christmas celebration for themselves. Her drive to work year round refurbishing and restoring gently used toys donated to the Mission has provided joy to more lives than she could ever possibly imagine. She added, “Let’s face it, every child wants gifts at Christmas. It’s the time of year that everyone is celebrating!” Part of her motivation is her empathy to parents unable to provide gifts for their families. Plus, she stated with enthusiasm, “I like the fact that the Mission gives gifts to adults too!”

WOW...39 YEARS!! She and her husband, Phil, who also volunteers in Christmas, have been married for 39 years! They have one beautiful daughter (Sherry) and a handsome grandson (Peyton) whom they enjoy spoiling regularly every Friday.

THANKS PEGGY…WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!

Howard-Miami Mennonite Youth Go "ON MISSION" Without Leaving Home!

They arrived at Kokomo Rescue Mission ready to work, and WORK they did. For two whole days the young people pulled weeds, washed windows, cleaned toys, sorted canned goods and had a great time serving God by serving others.

Thanks so much to every young person and their adult leaders and sponsors!

We are so very grateful for every volunteer, doing jobs large or small. We couldn't make it without you!!

Read FAQ's about volunteering
Complete an online volunteer application, or call Kelly at (765) 456-3838.