I am thankful for Marlene Kunz from Civic Concern. Her
selfless dedication continues to help those in need on a daily basis. We have
been fortunate that our children have attended Northville Schools for twelve
years and have had the opportunity to work with Civic Concern on many community
projects from collections to stocking the shelves to adopting families for the
Holidays.
Until recently, I didn’t really understand the impact and
how Marlene helps people. I thought it was merely a food pantry, until I became
one of those in need!
Do you know that Civic Concern provides food and help for over
170 Northville Families? Yes, Northville! But there is more to it. Marlene
personally helps make connections for abused women and people in tough spots
for shelter, transportation, education, utility bills, legal aid and
counseling. It has made me realize that there is so much we can do to help and
not just during the holidays.
Marlene also organizes the Kiwanis bowling for the
handicapped every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at Novi Bowl. Evan and I signed up to help last Saturday and I have to
tell you what a wonderful experience! We will be regulars. Everyone that is
involved from the special bowlers to their parents, family members, guardians,
caregivers and volunteers are there because of the joy that they receive in helping
and watching them have fun! It is truly heartwarming. It was a very special way for me to bond with
my son since we don’t spend much time together anymore. I encourage you to
volunteer!
During my few visits with Marlene at her humble yet very busy
center I have had the pleasure of meeting people who have shared their very personal
stories. Some come to make a donation. One very friendly gentleman comes in
once a month to deliver cereal. He waits until there is a sale and buys a
grocery cart full and then delivers it himself. Another beautiful couple in their late sixties
come once a month to make a monetary donation. Marlene thought that I should
meet them. They have been married for 16
years and are quite wealthy. But her life before that had been no bed of
roses for the lady. You see, when her three children were all under 10 years
old her husband abused her mentally, verbally and physically. It was not until
the night he hit her face so hard that it split open that she got the courage
to take her three children and leave with nothing. For the record, her son is a
doctor and her daughter is in Washington working for the government!
As she shared her story with me she took both of my hands in
hers, looked me in the eyes and said “You will get through this”.
Then there are the ladies who have been helped by Marlene
when they were in need from various degrees of distress. Abused, Dependent on
drugs and alcohol, laid off, homeless and other terrible situations many of
them received her help at one time or another. They are so grateful for the
help that they are there weekly volunteering to put things away, do pick-ups at
collection spots or anything else that they can do to give back. It is very
humbling as well as enlightening to hear these women tell their stories. It is amazing that when they asked me to share
my story I never felt judged or ashamed. I went to visit Marlene for some advise but received so much more.
How serendipitous it is that I would learn the true meaning
of giving during the time that my need is greatest.
Although I have not taken any grocery bags of food home from
the pantry, Marlene is always giving me her food. When I leave from my visits
with her not only is my stomach full but so is my heart!
Marlene you are angel from heaven.
Tracey Fors Wormsbacher
