Meet the 2025 Volunteers of the Year
The Salvation Army Northern Division is proud to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2025. Check our Facebook page and news feed April 21-25 to read stories about the incredible people who donate their time to help The Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota. Find volunteer opportunities near you.
Salvation Army Northern Division volunteers are remarkable people. Nearly 24,000 of them are scattered throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, helping us do the most good in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between. They cook and serve hot meals, ring bells at Christmastime, help disaster survivors, push paperwork, mentor at-risk kids, and so much more.
Of all our volunteers, several stand out for their uncommon grit, grace and dedication. They are our 2025 Volunteers of the Year: Patrick Jones, Scott Johns, Rueben Walman, Ann and Darrell Stordahl, Marie Putnam, Rico Allen, Kathy Wilkolak, Brian Lindquist, Terrell Smith, and Myron Ashford.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Volunteers of the Year,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Their dedication to serving others embodies the spirit of The Salvation Army and our commitment to providing food, shelter and care for those most in need.”
Divisional (ND + Greater MN)
Exemplary Volunteer: Patrick Jones
Location: Fargo, N.D.
Years of service: 1
Patrick Jones has been volunteering at the Fargo Salvation Army for more than a year, making an incredible impact in food service and other capacities.
A retired manager at The Fry'n Pan in downtown Fargo, Pat helps serve hot breakfasts every Monday and hot lunches every Wednesday – generously and enthusiastically sharing his expertise in the restaurant business to help guide other volunteers.
He consistently goes above and beyond. Once, during a time of staff shortages, Pat stepped in to cook three times a week for three months, ensuring that our community received the nourishment they needed.
His commitment also extends to our holiday events. Late last year, he volunteered for 10 hours each day of a two-day event, far surpassing the amount of time for which he originally committed.
Pat’s wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to the Fargo Salvation Army. His great attitude, personable nature, and willingness to help make him a beloved member of the community.
Exemplary Volunteer: Scott Johns
Location: Brainerd, Minn.
Years of service: 1
Scott Johns has been an exceptional volunteer at the Brainerd Salvation Army for more than a year. He dedicates three days a week to sorting and organizing at the food shelf, consistently arriving early to set the tone for a smooth and efficient day.
Scott also trains new volunteers and stays late to ensure guests receive the assistance they need. His dedication and commitment have made him an invaluable asset to the team at the Brainerd Salvation Army.
Outside of volunteering, Scott enjoys traveling, riding his motorcycle, and spending quality time with his family. He is a devoted grandfather who attends all his granddaughter’s events, school functions, and dance recitals.
Lifetime: Rueben Walman
Location: Willmar, Minn.
Years of service: 15+
Rueben Walman has been a dedicated volunteer at the Willmar Salvation Army for more than 15 years, serving as a food driver several days a week.
Recently, when an extra pickup day was added, Rueben took the extra responsibility without hesitation. He even recruited a friend to help him, making this new pickup day the Willmar Salvation Army’s biggest day for donations.
Rueben goes above the call of duty in other capacities as well. Whether he is helping with an unexpected project or offering to be a second person in the building to maintain safety protocols, he is always ready to lend a hand.
Beyond his volunteer work, Rueben invites others to attend church and Bible study at the Willmar Salvation Army, picking up three individuals each week to join him. He also participates in a Model and Hobby Club every Thursday.
Rueben’s commitment to service makes him an invaluable part of the Willmar Salvation Army.
Lifetime/Legacy: Anna and Darrell Stordahl
Location: Mankato, Minn.
Years of service: 10+
This year’s Lifetime and Legacy awards for Volunteer of the Year have been combined into one award to honor Darrell Stordahl and his late wife, Anna, who passed away July 2, 2024, at the age of 87.
Darrell and Anna were an unstoppable team, volunteering at The Salvation Army Family Store in Mankato at least 40 hours a week for more than a decade. They cleaned the store, tagged and hung clothes, and assisted during busy rushes at the register, all while spreading warmth and kindness. They were an integral part of the community.
Although the couple retired from volunteering a year and a half ago, Darrell returned to help at the store just weeks after Anna passed away in order to stay connected. His return brought immense joy to staff and volunteers, as he once again offered his time and talents – helping with a smile on his face despite being grief-stricken by the loss of his wife.
Darrell continues to spend several hours a day at the store, sharing his generosity, kindness, and joy with everyone he meets to brighten their lives and honor his late wife.
In addition to his volunteer work, Darrell has been the president of his homeowner's association for 15-plus years and is an avid visitor of Branson, Mo., where he and Anna vacationed more than 80 times.
Twin Cities
Exemplary Volunteer: Marie Putnam
Location: Brooklyn Park Salvation Army and Emergency Disaster Services
Years of service: 18
Marie Putnam has been a dedicated volunteer for nearly 20 years, contributing significantly to many Salvation Army endeavors such as the food shelf at the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, statewide Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), and campaigns like the Red Kettles, food drives, and toy drives.
Her commitment began in 2007 after witnessing a powerful moment of compassion in Ladysmith, Wisc., where Salvation Army volunteers provided physical and emotional support for a tornado survivor. Inspired by this, Marie soon became deeply involved with The Salvation Army.
At the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, Marie ensures smooth food shelf operations by creating inventory sheets and assisting with truck operations. In addition, she volunteers for after-school programs, picks up and delivers food, and supports fundraising efforts.
She is also a dedicated EDS volunteer who is often deployed throughout Minnesota and the nation to serve survivors of floods, fires, tornados, and other disasters.
Marie’s generosity extends beyond her volunteer time, as she has established a Planned Gift to support The Salvation Army’s future. Her consistent dedication and selflessness make her an invaluable asset to The Salvation Army and the communities we serve.
Family, Group or Business: Terrell Smith and Myron Ashford, owners, Gentlemen Cuts
Location: Eastside Salvation Army, St. Paul
Years of service: 4
Terrell Smith (pictured, top) and Myron Ashford (bottom), owners of Gentlemen Cuts in St. Paul, are pillars of generosity and service for the Eastside Salvation Army. For the past four years, Terrell, Myron and their team of barbers have been a cornerstone of the Annual Eastside Youth Appreciation Day, providing free haircuts to children to help them start the school year with confidence and a positive self-image.
Beyond their volunteer service, Terrell and Myron have shown consistent commitment to giving back through various initiatives, including organizing the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, hosting a Counter Kettle during Red Kettle Season, collecting school supplies for the Backpack Giveaway, and participating in the Trunk or Treat event during Halloween.
Terrell and Myron also mentor and inspire youth by demonstrating the importance of entrepreneurship, community leadership, and the value of giving back. They deserve recognition for their unwavering support and dedication to uplifting the Eastside community.
Youth: Rico Allen
Location: Eastside Salvation Army, St. Paul
Years of service: 3
At just 17 years old, Rico Allen is a remarkable example of leadership, entrepreneurship, and compassion.
He first connected with The Salvation Army at age 14 during the Eastside Youth Appreciation Day, where he hosted a station for kids to design custom wooden bow ties, inspiring confidence through fashion.
His commitment to The Salvation Army has grown since then, with him dedicating his summers as a mentor and role model at day camps. With more than 263 hours of service, Rico has shown empathy and generosity, quietly donating new shoes to kids in need without seeking recognition.
He also owns a business called Ice Cream Bow Ties, and a platform called Aniki’s Corner. He uses both to encourage youth to embrace their uniqueness, prioritize mental health, and navigate challenges.
Rico embodies everything The Salvation Army strives to instill in youth – passion, leadership, kindness, and resilience. His dedication to making a difference makes him an exceptional volunteer.
Lifetime: Kathy Wilkolak
Location: Salvation Army Headquarters, Roseville
Years of service: 25+
For more than 25 years, Kathy Wilkolak has been the unsung hero behind The Salvation Army’s “Toy Shop” distributions in the Twin Cities.
Year-round, Kathy meticulously sorts and organizes thousands of donated toys by gender and age to ensure that every child in need has a gift to open during the holidays. She also recruits and coordinates other volunteers to assist her in the warehouse.
Kathy’s leadership and organizational skills ensure the smooth operation of this huge endeavor, which requires countless hours of attention to detail. On average, she contributes about 335 hours each year – selflessly giving her time to brighten the holidays for so many.
Outside of her volunteer work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her grandkids and is a passionate Green Bay Packers fan.
Legacy: Brian Lindquist
Location: South Minneapolis Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in South Minneapolis proudly honors Brian Lindquist with the Legacy Volunteer Award, recognizing his unwavering dedication and selfless service.
Brian was a cornerstone of the food shelf here for many years, arriving each morning to organize supplies, unload deliveries, and prepare food boxes for guests – always ensuring those in need were met with care and dignity.
His generosity extended beyond daily tasks. During the Christmas season, he was a devoted participant in the Red Kettle campaign, often calling to ask, “Do you have an open kettle location where I can bell ring until the next volunteer arrives?” His commitment to The Salvation Army and its mission was truly inspiring.
Beyond his volunteer work, Brian’s kindness knew no bounds. Though unconfirmed, it has been said that he donated his own home to a nonprofit that supports individuals experiencing homelessness – a testament to his compassionate heart.
Brian passed away on March 10, 2024. His legacy of service and generosity lives on, and his impact will be felt for years to come. He is dearly missed but never forgotten.
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