By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Putting her faith into action.
That’s the way Gail Hill views her volunteer efforts in and around the Plainwell area.
“I call myself a follower of Jesus,” Hill said. “So for me, Jesus shows us how we are to treat others and I try to follow that lead.”
In recognition of her volunteer work, Hill was recently named the 2023 recipient of the Chris Haas Volunteer of the Year Award.
The award has been given annually since Haas, who was well known for her volunteer work in the Plainwell community, passed away in 2018. The recipient is someone “who is generous with their time and talents and brings light and life to many incredible charitable and community endeavors here in Plainwell, as Chris Haas once did.”
Hill, who was nominated by Debbie Clark, was honored at a Plainwell City Council meeting earlier this month.
“Although I do not do what I do for the recognition, it is always nice to be recognized,” Hill said. “And receiving the Chris Haas Award is even more special because of the person that Chris was. She was an amazing example of selfless service.”
After retiring from her position as secretary to the superintendent at Plainwell Community Schools, Hill immediately began filling her time with volunteer work.
“I have had a blessed life and believe we are called to help others who have not had the same advantages,” she said. “Our communities are better places to live when we help each other so we all do better.”
Among Hill’s first volunteer efforts was being a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Barry County. In that role, she helped children who are in the court system due to abuse or neglect.
Then in 2014, she worked with Nancy Heilig—another Chris Haas Volunteer of the Year Award winner—and other like-minded individuals to start a nonprofit called Bridges of Hope.
Through an educational program, Bridges of Hope helped people in poverty or on the edge of poverty to build more stable, sustainable lives.
Due to issues caused by the COVID pandemic, Bridges of Hope was dissolved as a nonprofit in August 2022.
“In order to continue the local community engagement, our board transferred our curriculum and remaining assets to Plainwell Community Schools to offer our workshops through Renaissance High School,” Hill said.
Most recently, Hill became involved with Allegan Homeless Solutions, which received its nonprofit status in 2019. She currently serves as the board secretary/treasurer.
“We acquired three properties that house previously homeless individuals,” Hill said. “We also help by providing gas cards, money for apartment applications, license plate tabs, Michigan IDs, past due rent and utilities to prevent people from becoming homeless.”
In addition, Hill is a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization. The mission of P.E.O. is to help educate women—especially those who have had an interruption to their education—through grants and loans.
“I have enjoyed helping women who I have met through Bridges of Hope and Allegan Homeless Solutions receive grants to continue their education,” Hill said.
Hill said finding volunteer opportunities in the community isn’t difficult and hopes others will consider giving some of their time to help their neighbors.
“I would encourage others to find something they are passionate about and find a way to help,” she said. “Do something, no matter how small. Because together, we can make a difference in our community, our country and our world.”