LuAnn Scott, 65, of Dowagiac, is a volunteer at several organizations in the community. Most notably, she is the treasurer for Saint Francis Outreach and co-chair of the backpack program that helps to provide food assistance to 120 children at Dowagiac elementary schools.

What do you do with Saint Francis Outreach?

I have been the treasurer since the founding of it, and I’m also actually in charge of the backpack program which we started three years ago. For the program, we send backpacks to all four of the elementary buildings each weekend. We send meals — two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and health snacks — for the weekends for those children that are underprivileged and are unable to eat healthy on the weekend. It is quite a project. … We started this project three years ago, and it is growing. We started with 25 bags and two buildings. Now, we have grown to all four buildings. It’s a great thing.

How long have you been with Saint Francis Outreach?

This is our seventh year. I have been treasurer since the birth of it.

Where else do you volunteer in the community?

I’m actually a member of Holy Maternity Catholic Church, and I teach the second-grade religious education program. I am a Eucharistic minister and elector at Holy Maternity. I also volunteer at the Dowagiac Elks as one of the food crews. Once a month, we volunteer to work the supper club, and I am on that crew. Also, I am a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and therefore we do a lot of community service.

What do you like about volunteering?

I absolutely love helping others. It’s just really gratifying to know that I’m helping and making a difference.

Why do you think volunteers are important to the community?

I think it brings the community together by working hand in hand and helping others who are less fortunate. It really does keep us united for one purpose, which is to help others.

How would encourage others to volunteer?

I would say that it’s a wonderful feeling to know that you are making a difference in our community.