Volunteer of the Year: Lori Clasemann

Although English is Lori Clasemann’s native tongue, she’s also fluent in Spanish, a language she has learned for one sole purpose: to be a better volunteer.

Clasemann is a seven-year Salvation Army volunteer in Renville County, a west central Minnesota community with a large population of Spanish-speaking migrant workers. She has learned their language to better assist them in their struggles, which range from basic needs like food and clothing, to youth education needs.

Clasemann, a church secretary, distributes free clothing and kitchen items from inside her office. In a vacant retail space next door, she created a teen drop-in center that focuses on tutoring Hispanic youth struggling with their studies. She works collaboratively with the Army as an employee of Kinship Inc., a private, nonprofit organization promoting youth mentoring.

“Her once quiet office is very busy with families in need,” said nominator Kim Sheets, a Salvation Army field rep. “The amount of help she gives these families is so incredible you almost have to see it to believe it. She stands next to folks until they can stand on their own.”

Clasemann also distributes free school supplies and drives kids to Salvation Army summer camps. One time she even climbed onto a roof to replace shingles because she heard there was a need.

“When she is feeling overwhelmed, I never hear her say ‘Why me?’” Sheets added. “Instead, she says, ‘God thinks I have big shoulders today!’”