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Local volunteer recognized for 35 years of service with CONTACT Community Services

March 6, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

A local not-for-profit organization that connects people with social and government programs in Simcoe County is recognizing one of their longest volunteers.

CONTACT Community Services issued a statement thanking Jean Marshall for her decades of dedication at its thrift store, The Clothes Line (55 Victoria Street West).

“On behalf of everyone at CONTACT Community Services we are so very pleased to acknowledge and honour our volunteer of 35 years, Jean Marshall,” reads the statement.

“Jean’s journey with CONTACT Community Services started at our original CONTACT Centre 40 years ago. She was just looking for some community information, and Jean was so impressed by the dedication of our volunteers that she returned several years later to volunteer herself!”

Marshall, who lives in a condominium in Alliston, told the Times she likes spending time with fellow volunteers and looking after the people who come into The Clothes Line.

“I enjoy the people,” said Marshall, “Both the customers and definitely the volunteers. You make wonderful friends.”

“The highlight of Jean’s experience, as with many of our volunteers, was meeting new people. The friendliness of staff, volunteers and customers, has fostered some amazing long-term friendships,” said CONTACT Community Services’ statement on Marhsal’s volunteerism. 

“For several years, she has been an instrumental part of CONTACT’s events at the store, always creating a welcoming experience. Her only complaint over the 35 years was how much she missed volunteering during the COVID shut down, but even at 90 years of age, she continues to serve, helping anyway she can. We are honoured to have Jean as a volunteer and friend and cherish the stories and memories she continues to share.”

Marshall said she feels very blessed to have been able to donate her time to CONTACT to do “something worthwhile” for the last 35 years. At 90 years old she still volunteers roughly 15 hours a week with the organization.

Part of the reason why Marshall donates her time is because of the important work CONTACT does for the community. 

“It’s just a wonderful organization,” she said. “When I started, there was a few people in a little store, and it’s just grown so well and so positively.”

Reflecting on her early days with CONTACT, Marshall said the thrift store started small, sharing a space with a small office and has grown significantly over the years. 

“There’s just so much stuff that comes in of any variety, in every variety,” she noted. 

Marshall said CONTACT could always use more volunteers and would encourage others to join in on the “fun.”

“It’s just happy work that you’re doing. You’re doing something good and yet you’re having a good time doing it… with wonderful people,” Marshall said. “Come and work and have fun.”

To volunteer, please email Linda at linda@contactcommunityservices.ca or call the thrift store at 705-434-0790.

For more information on volunteering with CONTACT visit, contactcommunityservices.ca/volunteer/volunteer-with-contact

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