Retiring approximately twelve years ago from teaching took them from one job to more than you can count on two hands! They continue to attend school activities, so they might as well volunteer! They attend church, so they might as well help out when needed! They love Riverboat Days, so they might as well take a shift or two as long as they are down at the park! It is difficult to find them at home!!

As soon as Ray retired from teaching at the High School, he was asked to find workers for the scoreboard at the football games. Of course he could help! As well as help, with the assistance of Nelva, at the track meets at specific events and assist with scoring at the home golf games. After all, they would be attending anyway! They also share their talents at the annual Senior Games with the basketball events.

Trinity Lutheran Church can count on the Kooistra Duo to count money on designated Monday mornings. They also assist with ushering, reading scripture, helping at the Soup Kitchen and preparation for Communion. Twelve years ago the two started their baby blanket industry - making nearly a thousand - by their best guess. Nelva finds 3 foot square material - at rummage sales, donations from others, or store sales - and within a half hour has the three layers sewed up tight. Ray then takes over with knotting the blanket then off to the church it goes! The blankets are given to the babies that are baptized, taken to the reservation, Birth Right and the nursing homes. The blankets are a blessing at both ends of the life cycle.

During Riverboat Days Ray and Nelva are assisting with the celebration. Helping people find their way around the park at the Information Booth or working in the ticket booth or helping people register for Arts In The Park or wearing the hats of Captain and Belle in 1996 - the Kooistras are volunteering. They might as well as they will be down at the park anyway!

As a member of the Elks Lodge Ray and his right-hand assistant, Nelva, have promoted and worked with the Elks Scholarship Program and the Hoop Shoot. They send information out to twenty-six surrounding schools for both programs. Both programs are one-day events with the winner moving up to the district contest. Modern Woodmen Speech Contest asked for their assistance two years ago. Ray is the Emcee for the Contest and Nelva is one of the judges as they enjoy the inspiring speeches delivered by the youth. Nelva has been a Big Friend for approximately twenty years of mentoring six youth during that time. Her life has revolved around children and her Little Friends remain very special.

The Kooistras find great satisfaction in helping others. When someone asked them to help, they answered the call. Both shared that volunteering "makes you feel good!" Since they "were going anyway" to the various events and activities, it was only natural for them to help out. Making A Difference comes naturally to Ray and Nelva Kooistra.