Analyn Schmidt goes to a special closet every Friday and surrounds herself in clothes. Volunteering at the Clothing Closet at South Dakota Human Services Center on Fridays gives Schmidt an opportunity to organize the many filled racks of clothes available to the community. She is one of the many that sorts through the bags of donated clothing, throws them in the washer if needed, arranges them on the racks according to size, packs the out of session clothes away for next year, and also assists the customers when they select their clothing. When parents come in with their small children, Schmidt is often found entertaining the younger customers so the parents can devote their attention to the task at hand.

When Schmidt signed up with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, she was ready to help wherever needed. Consequently, she has had a variety of volunteer opportunities. When the Senior Citizen Center is short-handed, Schmidt can be found assisting with secretarial tasks, helping with the pancake feed, delivering Meals on Wheels, and also making crafts for the annual craft sale.

Analyn Schmidt also helps at the Yankton Chamber of Commerce two days a week. Answering the phone, preparing mailings, greeting and assisting whoever walks through the door are just a few of her activities when she sits behind that reception desk.

Because Schmidt does not like to just "sit around", she also shares her time and talents with Trinity Lutheran Church by serving on the funeral committee, working on the monthly newsletter, or helping the Volunteer Coordinator, Joanne Christensen. She is looking forward to helping with the annual Bach Lunches and also enjoys the preparation to the annual Soup Kitchen - especially in making lefse!

Volunteering is very important to Analyn Schmidt. She is a very dedicated volunteer. That is very apparent as she averages 60 hours a month of volunteer work in the community. Why does she volunteer? Schmidt responded, "I get to meet people and it gives me a sense of satisfaction doing something for someone else. I had two jobs before I volunteered, so I had to put my time to use."

Variety is the spice of life. Analyn Schmidt has found variety in her volunteer adventures and has contributed her time, talents and treasures with community.