Terri Eckstein, of Niles, has served as a volunteer at the Pregnancy Care Center for the past three years. The Pregnancy Care Center, located at 527 E. Main St., provides resources, classes, counseling, as well as ultra sounds for those in need.

Eckstein has served as a counselor in the past and currently volunteers as a receptionist. For Eckstein, sharing her personal faith is an important aspect in her volunteer work. She said she also likes that the organization provides new parents with skills aimed at helping them become better parents.

Those who attend the center can earn “boutique bucks” by attending classes. The bucks can then be put toward purchasing food, clothing and other items like car seats or diapers.

How did you get involved with the Pregnancy Care Center?

I was at church and had heard that the [Pregnancy Care Center] was very involved. I went to the PCC’s annual fundraiser minglet, which is coming up this year on Oct. 17. I went to it and heard a speaker and they were talking about how much the PCC had helped them. I was looking for something I could do at the time. I wanted to be involved and I approached some and they said, “yeah, come on in.”

What skills can someone who utilizes the center gain?

You know the old saying “give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime?”

We are trying to help teach them to have a better life and not just get handouts. That is why we have them come to the classes to earn baby bucks. There are emergency handouts, if they can’t make it to class that day. They can come in and get emergency diapers or formula if they need it, because we are not heartless. But we want them to earn it.

What is your favorite part about volunteering at the Pregnancy Care Center?

My favorite part is the camaraderie that we all come together to show that we care. [We are all] from different backgrounds and church affiliations. But we all love Jesus and the people. We love the people and want to help the people. I love that we come together. Every week I look forward to it so much. I just love people.

Why would you encourage others to spend their time volunteering in the Niles community?

Because you get back what you give. I feel just as encouraged when I leave. I get my hugs every time I go. They are happy to see me and I am happy to see them. I enjoy the smiles on people’s faces when maybe they came in having a bad day and then they leave in a better mood.