Jim and Linda Marshall are a great pair of volunteers, and we are lucky to have both of them volunteering again this year. After taking a “Covid break,” they are back in full force as Mobile Lunchbox and Eagan Pantry volunteers.
Linda first heard about The Open Door when she was working at Blue Cross Blue Shield and the company’s volunteer program allowed her to pick up produce from their Giving Gardens and take it to The Open Door a few times a week. They are also members of the St. John Neumann parish, one of the organization’s Founding Faith partners, and they knew they were interested in becoming more involved after Linda’s positive experience.
Working at the Eagan Pantry, Jim would check people out and Linda would be a shopper for clients. They have been volunteering in those roles for about eight years and have recently enjoyed working with the Mobile Pantry program as well.
“It’s fun to have something to do together. We look forward to it every week and it’s a good time,” Jim said. “In this day and age, we all seem to go on our separate ways, but it’s an opportunity for us to work together and help somebody out whether it’s kids who need lunch or people that are just short on food.”
Watching The Open Door grow from being a small closet to an organization that has hundreds of volunteers and clients has been one of Linda’s favorite parts of being an active volunteer over the years. She also loves the connections she has made with people in her community since joining The Open Door.
“With the Lunchbox Program, talking to the parents and seeing their appreciation…they just can’t thank us enough for what we’re doing,” Linda said. “Plus, the kids are all excited when they see the bus.”
One of their most vivid memories as volunteers was several years ago when they met a client who was extremely apologetic for needing the food and explained that after paying all her bills for the month, there was no money left for food.
“That really put things into perspective…There are a lot of people that need help, we are never ones to judge. We have no idea what’s going on in their lives,” Jim and Linda said.
Aside from volunteering, Jim and Linda make sure to stay active by going to “Cardio Bay” at the Cascade Bay waterpark, and spending time with their nine grandchildren including taking them golfing, swimming, or to one of their many activities.
Thank you to Jim and Linda for everything you do. We are lucky to have people like you supporting us!
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