By Stephanie Forth

stephanie.forth@leaderpub.com

Rudy Gourdine and Judy Ashley originally met while volunteering at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center’s Faith Mission in Elkhart, Indiana. The couple has been married for 35 years and continue to perform volunteer work for the Edwardsburg food pantry.

When did you start volunteering at the food pantry?

Gourdine: I started there five years ago.

Ashley: I have been there for three years.

What kind of service do you do while there?

Ashley: I am an intake coordinator. I greet people once they arrive and check their identification so I can record it. I do all of the paper work and assist in filling out guests’ grocery lists. I also offer assistance to anyone who might need help with organizing their utilities.

Gourdine: We [The Food Pantry] get bread from Martin’s Super Market in Granger. When there is an order I’ll go to the store to pick up the bread. I help people take groceries out their car, restock shelves inside, and help bring in items from the delivery truck. I am also a board member for the human relations committee and have been for two years. There are about seven board members in total.

How often are you there?

Ashley: I am there once a week.

Gourdine: I am there twice a week.

Why do you choose to volunteer at the food pantry?

It’s close to us. But not only is it close to us but one of the things we really like about it is the cooperative venture between Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church and how it works to benefit the underprivileged people who come to the Food Pantry.

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

Gourdine: I do volunteer work the Presbyterian Church. I also wash the windows at the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County.

Why do you like to volunteer?

We like to meet new people. It’s also good to feel as if you’re a little piece of what makes the world a better place for others.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling the newsroom at (269) 687-7720 or emailing news@leaderpub.com