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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDuane\u2019s understanding of community support runs deep. Raised by a single mother alongside three siblings, he remembers the challenges of growing up with limited resources. \u201cI don\u2019t remember The Salvation Army specifically,\u201d he shares, \u201cbut I know my mom relied on organizations like it to get by.\u201d That empathy fuels his commitment to helping others today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phyllis, a former Teacher\u2019s Assistant, brings a special insight to the backpack program. \u201cA new backpack can make all the difference,\u201d she says. \u201cSchool can be rough, and kids can be mean. Starting the year off feeling good matters.\u201d Her experience helps her see the impact of even the smallest gestures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, health challenges kept them from participating in distribution events, a disappointment they felt deeply. But this year, they\u2019re back, energized and excited to see children receive their backpacks firsthand. \u201cVolunteering has become part of our normal,\u201d Phyllis says. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back to normal.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019ve spent years working in the old warehouse and are thrilled with the new space. \u201cIt makes sorting so much easier,\u201d Duane notes. But while they\u2019re happy to do the behind-the-scenes work, it\u2019s the distribution days that truly light them up. \u201cSeeing the kids\u2019 faces, that\u2019s the best part.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their enthusiasm is contagious. Duane and Phyllis have even organized group volunteer opportunities for friends and family, encouraging others to experience the joy of giving. \u201cWe love when kids get to volunteer too,\u201d Phyllis adds. \u201cIt helps them understand how little some people have.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their message is simple but powerful: \u201cWe get way more out of volunteering than we put in.\u201d And it\u2019s clear that their presence brings just as much joy to the team as it does to the families they serve. They speak fondly of Kristina and the staff, feeling welcomed and supported every step of the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/pranorth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-23-105317.png\")
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