Mary Tompi is the manager of Helping Hands of Cass County, an organization based in Cassopolis that serves several purposes, including running a thrift store food pantry for county.

Mary was nominated by a fellow volunteer with the organization, who wrote, “[Mary] is an asset to her family and her job, plus her community…I have been working for her for quite a few years as a volunteer, cashier and maintenance man. I consider her a very loyal person and friend.”

Toeknee Garner said he nominated Tompi because she is loveable, funny, hard-working and an asset to the Cass County community.

What do you do with Helping Hands?

I’m the manager here, but I put in a lot of volunteer hours. I coordinate a group of volunteers, help out in the kitchen, spend time outside of work hours to keep everything going. I’m really just the go-to person around here.

How did you get involved with the organization?

I started 13 years ago as a member on the board. When the previous director stepped down, I applied for the position and I’ve been in it ever since. I have the heart of the organization and just wanted to be able to help people.

What do you like most about volunteering?

It gives be the opportunity to give back, to share blessings with others. When somebody comes in for a food box and they say thank you. Any time you know that you’ve really helped somebody. The hugs and the thank-yous really warm your heart. That’s what keeps me here.

How can others get involved with Helping Hands?

All they have to do is come and ask if they can volunteer. We don’t have to turn too many away. Sometimes we have overstock on volunteers and have to ask them to come back another time, but usually we take all the help we can get.

There are a ton of opportunities. We need sorters, people to help with the food pantry, people to help filling food or help with Senior Commodities Day when the senior citizens come to pick up their food. Some people work in the kitchen, which is really just used for sorting food and washing dishes and pots and pans and stuff. A lot of times the dishes don’t get washed right away so it’s nice to have those extra people to help in there.

Have you volunteered anywhere else before?

No. I always had a full-time job and never had the extra hours to donate my time, so this has really been my first opportunity to do that.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or emailing him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.