When Mary Johnson started volunteering with the Girl Scouts with her second grade daughter, little did she realize that it started a 45 year commitment! Her "second job" started in Sioux Falls and continued when they moved to Yankton. Currently she is part of the Service Team that plans the year's activities and events, assists new leaders and network with other leaders. She also is the leader of a Junior Troop - five girls that have been together since 1st grade and for the past four years works with Daisy Day Camp. This camp is a scale down version of the camp attended by the older scouts. Girls in kindergarten attend this 5-6 hour camp.

Catholic Daughters has also benefited from Johnson's leadership skills. She is the President of Past Regents and is looking forward to this year's convention as it is an "off year" and a smaller meeting. She has been an officer for this organization for a number of terms. She has also been an officer for numerous years in the local Catholic Daughters as a member since 1977. Johnson has been active assisting with serving dinners, working at special events and as Eucharist Reader. Either by driving or running she also participates in Meals On Wheels during their designated month.

Caring for people and feeding the hungry take Mary Johnson to the Banquet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month as a member of the committee where they serve an average of 230 meals. She also participates when her organizations serve - Women of the Moose, Catholic Daughters and VFW. She can also be found taking food and serving when these organizations have their Soup Kitchens. As a leader of volunteers, Johnson is a member of the Yankton Volunteer Leaders and assists every fall with the Clothing Give-Away.

Look for Johnson working at the Bingo tent in the park during Riverboat Days. The Women of the Moose are busy providing the game as well as providing shade, seating and at the same time, an opportunity to win prizes.

Through her volunteerism, Mary Johnson has met a lot of wonderful people. She commented that it has provided her an outlet to make a positive difference in the community as well as a wonderful way to share her time. After the death of her husband, Johnson did not want to stay home - consequently she got more involved with community activities than ever before. Making a difference with people of all ages, Mary Johnson generously shares her time, talent and treasures.