No effort is too great in order to bring the People Needing People together after all, reaching out to neighbors is one way to teach what Christianity should be. Mentally challenged members of St. Olaf Church enjoy assisting, too, with serving communion or fighting candles for the Sunday service. Ready, but not always able, they will do anything for someone who asks for help. The modest Herreid couple's significant role in the People Needing People program does not emerge voluntarily. When asked, though, they admit being involved with scheduling and calling to line up 4-5 volunteers per meeting, usually for a month at a time.
Volunteers also take turns to bring snacks.
As a rule, the volunteers, especially church members, readily jump into action and set up, serve and clean up at special occasions. Again, Karen and Rick point out the importance of all the volunteers' work, and how small their own part is in comparison. A typical Monday night meeting begins at 7 p.m. with a program such as music, stories, slides or sing-along, and runs 20 to 30 minutes. Then comes time for treats and a chance to socialize with peers as well as volunteers. This is the favorite time for many.