Misericordia Volunteers Give Back All Year Long
by Barb Quaintance
We know that family members, friends, and Misericordia supporters volunteer during the holidays. The bakery, the brunches, and the gift shops are only possible because of these many volunteers. But there are other volunteers who have a regular ‘gig’: a volunteer job that they take on throughout the year. Here are the stories of two of them:
Jonathan Utley’s son, Gideon, lives in Marian Center. In 2001, when Gideon moved to campus, Jonathan volunteered at the Bakery during the busy Christmas season. And the rest is history. Jonathan became a regular volunteer in the Bakery; at first, doing whatever volunteer job was needed, but then becoming the lead on the gift box program. About twelve years ago, Jonathan took on a very big task: organizing the Farmers Market program. Today, Misericordia volunteers staff the Farmers Markets at both Daley Plaza (Thursdays) and in Evanston (Saturdays) for six months each year. The markets have been a great success. Jonathan related these facts:
- Approximately $7500 a week is made each week at the markets. Daley is more profitable, about $5500/week with $2000/week in Evanston.
- 500-600 people will come to the Daley market each day. Some have told Jonathan that they specifically go into the office on Thursdays so they can go to the market.
- About 1600 bakery items are sold each day. In fact, according to Jonathan’s records, an item is sold every 82 seconds!
- There is a regular core group of volunteers in shifts each day, the first shift starting at 6:45AM.
- Sales are up 25% from before Covid, with a 10% increase this year.
- Jonathan and his team focus on the quality of the product, as well as providing excellent service.
Why does Jonathan keep volunteering? He loves working with the residents and the volunteers; there’s such positive energy. Also, the management of the Farmers Market program is challenging, ever-changing and uses his skills. What more could a volunteer ask for?
Muffie Dondlinger does not have a family member at Misericordia, but she’s a long-time volunteer, a huge Mis booster and completely dedicated to the residents who work with her in the gardening program. Muffie began volunteering at the Misericordia greenhouse in 2011, but has expanded her portfolio to include gardening around campus and volunteering at special events on campus, as well as her weekly time in the hydroponic gardens.
At the hydroponic gardens, Muffie works regularly with five residents. These residents are paid for their work, as part of Mis’ job program. Muffie works with the residents to put seeds under the grow lights, pot the plants and then harvest them. They raise basil and lettuce, among other plants. Muffie loves the teamwork between staff, residents and the volunteers. And they can literally see the results of their work throughout the seasons.
When asked why she has volunteered for so long at Misericordia, Muffie’s face lights up. She tells stories of several of the residents who’ve touched her and talks about what they’ve accomplished together. (In fact, when we were talking at Hearts & Flour Café, Muffie saw one of ‘her’ residents; she literally jumped out of her chair to greet Patsy.) Muffie feels that she is empowering residents to be the best they can be and she values being of service to them. Muffie said that she might be in a bad mood when she arrives at Misericordia, but she walks out with happiness in her heart.
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