Peg Herschberger - HARDEST WORKING VOLUNTEER

An active and hardworking community volunteer, Peg Hershberger has a long history of helping others and is quick to advocate the many benefits and rewards of volunteerism.

“Through the years, I’ve volunteered at my children’s schools, Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, Friends of the Library and at the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

These days, Hershberger helps at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, where she manages incoming donations of household items that are sold at the store.

Hershberger enjoys the camaraderie of other ReStore volunteers and sees helping others as a way to foster community spirit.

“The reason we’re able to be successful in processing the donations is that we work as a team. It’s an effort from all who are involved that makes the difference,” she said.

Working with young adults at ReStore gives Hershberger a chance to mentor fellow volunteers.

“It’s so much fun to work with young people because they’ve never seen some of the vintage items that are donated,” she said. “I think we can all learn something from interacting with people of different ages.”

Hershberger encourages older adults to adopt a spirit of service too: “Volunteering in retirement builds relationships with others, gets you out of the house and helps keep you engaged and active.”

Hershberger understands the enormous impact volunteers have on a community.

“So many things in Rockford would never get done without volunteers,” she said. “Who would deliver Meals on Wheels? Who would call and check up on shut-ins? Who would help patients at hospitals and nursing homes? Many worthy organizations need help, and it’s up to everyone in our city to do their part.