Becca Phelps, of Sister Lakes, is a Spanish teacher who volunteers her time to a number of different causes, including Dowagiac’s ACTION ministries. Phelps currently serves as secretary of the organization’s board of directors.

How long have you volunteered with ACTION for?

I have been on the board as secretary for three years.

How did you first get involved?

I started going to their member meetings. As I started doing more volunteering and getting more involved, I volunteered to serve on the board.

What are some of the things ACTION does for the community?

We have a food pantry every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We host a senior commodities program. We have other emergency food programs. We participate in the city’s Summer in the City every year with our praise jam. We host a Friday community service at different member churches.

Why is it you like volunteering with ACTION?

I feel like by helping those who are poor and hungry, I can minister to the community on a weekly basis or daily basis. I feel like I can be involved with something every day.

Is there anything else you are helping out with at the moment?

I go to Sister Lakes Community Church. We have recently gotten together with St. Francis Outreach, which has gotten a grant from The Pokagon Fund to expand its backpack food ministry, which is pretty cool. The Pokagon Fund has given $10,000. Each of the [Dowagiac] elementary schools will receive $2,500 to buy food backpacks. Twenty students will get these backpacks they can take home.

What is the thing you like most about giving back?

I like to be in a position where I can help care for other people.

Is there anything else you want to say to encourage others to volunteer their time to a good cause?

Being involved helps to give back to the community. The more people who can give up their time for others, the better.