St. Joseph's Medical Center gift shop volunteers cited

Name: Mary Walls and Majel Laimer

Hometown: Mary was raised in International Falls and moved to Brainerd about 29 years ago, Majel was raised in Alexandria and has lived in Brainerd for 35 years.

Family: Majel's family includes her husband, Jack, six daughters, one son, nine grandsons and three granddaughters. Mary's family includes her husband, Almer, two sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Volunteer Activities: Mary and Majel have been volunteering together at the Gift Shop in St. Joseph's Medial Center for over 20 years. They meet with salespeople, go to the cities for market and order all of the merchandise. They also unpack, mark and stock shelves for the Gift Shop. In addition to the many hours spent at St. Joe's, both women take volunteer work home with them.

"We volunteer because: We were raised in families that volunteered and believe it is just a natural thing. We were taught to share and care. Volunteering is a joy and there are so many wonderful people we would not meet if we didn't volunteer at the gift shop."

"Our most rewarding volunteer experience is: To know that the money we make is going back into the hospital and to know that what we are doing is going for a good cause."

Nominated by: Deb Anderson, volunteer coordinator, St. Joseph's Medical Center

Sponsored by: Crow Wing County Volunteer Coordinators