Jill Brink, Food Pantry/Volunteer Director

 

Jill has been happily distributing food and (toys at Christmas) to those in need in Monroe County for nearly 20 years.  One of the most rewarding by-products of her work at The Salvation Army has been the opportunity to form relationships with clients and watch as they transform their unfortunate circumstances.

 

"We had a food pantry client for about 6 years," Jill says. "She was a single mom who swallowed her pride and came to our pantry every month for food."

 

Jill stops, turns and looks out the window for a minute and continues, "She was so determined to make her kids proud and she never gave up. I watched her work her way up every year.  And guess what? Now she owns her own business."

 

Christmas is a special time of year for Jill as well. Last year alone, we were fortunate enough to distribute over 16,000 toys to children who otherwise wouldn't have had anything to open on Christmas morning. "Christmas is an amazing time. Year after year, I see people reach out and care about each other. One year we had a child who needed a specialized kind of bike. The Walmart Distribution center stepped up and got that bike," Jill said.

 

"Every Christmas morning I think about all the kids who are waking up and having a magical morning because of the generosity and kindness of so many people in this county."

 

"It inspires me every day to give back," Jill says. "I count my blessings every day and there are so many. That is what motivates me to give back. It's all about giving back."