Pictured is Wanda McKotch, a volunteer with the Salvation Army for more than eight years. She helps with the Christmas Program and food pantry. Submitted photo

Wanda McKotch has been volunteering with The Salvation Army for more than eight years, helping with both the Christmas Program and food pantry.

McKotch is married to Marty McKotch, and together they have two daughters and four grandchildren. They have been married for 57 years. She used to work at Jamestown Chiropractic and with Dr. Davis in the same office before retiring.

“I’ve been with The Salvation Army for about eight to 10 years,” McKotch said. “I started by helping with the Christmas Program by doing sign-ups for baskets and gifts for the kids. I also help with the food pantry now.”

During the rest of the year at the food pantry, McKotch helps the people who come in once every 30 days to get needed food.

“They are always appreciative and excited and thankful,” McKotch said. “I love to work with people. I’ve been volunteering with different organizations since I retired.”

For McKotch, volunteering is all about getting to help people.

“I love to volunteer because I am a people person,” McKotch said. “I’m not a sitter. I like to be busy and work with the public.”

McKotch said she loves to work with The Salvation Army’s food pantry because of the reactions of the people who come in to get food.

“I get the satisfaction of seeing the excitement of the people who come in and get the food that they desperately need,” McKotch said. “Their attitude can often change as they come in and they can be overwhelmed by what we offer. Seeing their reactions warms my heart.”

Additionally, McKotch said volunteering helps to benefit the community because there is always a need. She said it can also help the person who does the volunteering as well.

“There is so much need for volunteers,” McKotch said. “Volunteers don’t have the pressure of a job so they can take more time to be people oriented. They can volunteer at a time that fits into their schedules and volunteer when they are available. I think more people should volunteer. It keeps the mind active.”

McKotch encourages everyone to come out and volunteer at places that they can, saying they will see the difference in themselves and others.

“Get out and volunteer,” McKotch said. “You will find that you are happier and it keeps your mind active. Keeping your mind active keeps you young. You get to work with people. Seeing the smiles on their faces makes my day.”