To the editor:

New Ulm has many dedicated volunteers to help throughout our city, whether they are helping at the Food Shelf, the DAV, maybe they are helping at one of the thrift stores or at the hospital, perhaps they are reading to the children at the schools. Maybe they belong to a service group like the Lions or Jaycees who have their own ways to serve the community. Many organizations rely heavily on the services of volunteers, I know without volunteers at the Food Shelf, we would not be able to serve the needy as we do. Being an essential organization in the “Stay at Home” order by the governor, we are keeping our doors open because of our volunteers.

The Coronavirus Pandemic is putting a bind on how we live, it changes how we interact, how we shop and dine out. It decides if we can work or not.

I saw somewhere that people were putting stuffed bears in their windows for parents to take their children for a ride and go bear hunting. Normally I would tell you if you see someone volunteering, shake their hand and thank them for their service, instead I request that households, businesses factories, everyone put a big “Red V” in their windows, on their doors, wherever one can see it, to thank all of our great area volunteers for their service.

Brad Kirk

Executive Director

New Ulm Area

Emergency Food Shelf