Gladys Beachy

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Gladys Beachy

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Marcella Wengerd

 

On the first Wednesday of each month you’ll find Gladys Beachy at Save & Serve. For more than a decade, she along with her sisters and mother volunteer their time in the housewares department where they evaluate, clean and stock to prepare items for shoppers.

Gladys, the wife of David E. Beachy, is originally from Charm. She learned about Save & Serve through friends and members of the Amish Church of which she belongs.

“Gladys and the other members in her group take special care to meet the needs of our shoppers while volunteering at Save & Serve,” Jenny Hofstetter, soft goods manager said.

Gladys said working at Save & Serve gives her a sense of accomplishment. “I feel fulfilled when I work here,” Gladys said. “I can help people in other countries without traveling. I know I am helping a family or a child in need even when I don’t always know who benefits.”

Gladys enjoys the work as well as the people she works alongside. “I like the friendly people who volunteer their time here,” she said. “I like the management group, too.” Gladys describes her fellow volunteers as having good perspective. “This is not like a job to us,” she said. “We have a purpose here.”

Others can easily see why Gladys is at home as a regular volunteer at Save & Serve. “Every time I see Gladys, both at and outside of Save & Serve, she is always smiling,” Jenny said. “Her kind heart shines through in her smile and in return others smile, too. Gladys is a true example of having a servant’s heart.”

Gladys said Save & Serve is organized and clean. What she doesn’t admit is that it is partly due to her dedication to the store. She is committed to the customers and the people served through Mennonite Central Committee. A portion of all purchases is designated to go to the global, nonprofit organization that strives to share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peace.

Gladys appreciates the flexibility of serving as a volunteer. While she is a regular on the first Wednesday of each month, there are times she works more when she is needed.

Gladys looks forward to the time she spends volunteering at Save & Serve along with the annual Appreciation Banquet. “It is great to see the other volunteers,” Gladys said. “We learn how other countries benefit from the donations we give and there is also a delicious meal.”