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Volunteer Dan Commerford poses in the chapel at the Good Samaritan Society-Pine River Care Center. Photo by Kelly Virden
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"Big Dan" Commerford has a big heart to match his 6 feet 4 inch height.
Commerford, a Benson, Minn. native, has volunteered his companionship and his gift for gab at the Good Samaritan Society for the last five years.
He volunteers every week, sometimes three to four times a week at the Pine River care center.
Commerford visits with residents, plays cards and attends Bible study.
Last summer he organized a cookout with residents and fishing and pontoon rides.
And he's led Bingo for the residents. "Dan is very good at gathering Bingo prizes; businesses up town donate," said Mary Welshons, activities director.
Christmas bingo is a tradition for Commerford. This year as a special treat he gave $1 to every bingo winner. It was a well received gesture.
Dan has a pretty easy time relating to the residents. He listens to them talk about the jobs they had during their working years and their personal histories.
It's very interesting to listen to the residents, Dan said. "You find out some interesting things about some people," he said.
Sometimes Commerford visits with new residents or other residents one-on-one.
"Dan will come in the door and seek out people," Welshons said.
Commerford was inspired to start volunteering by his sister who volunteers at St. Otto's in Little Falls.
She recommended that he volunteer at Good Sam.
"I started enjoying it a lot coming here," he recalls, of his early months of volunteering. "I always have fun when I come here."
Dan gets a lot of thank you's from the residents. Aside from playing games and visiting, Commerford earned a certificate in feeding and has fed residents in the past.
"It's something that everyone should have an experience doing," he said of the humbling task.
Coming to Good Sam, Commerford is surrounded by good company.
"The staff, volunteers and faculty work hard and have fun," he said.
Commerford enjoys coming to the Good Sam to talk to the residents, see them smile and listen to them laugh.
When he volunteers, Commerford feels that he's been blessed for the day. "Like I've had a real and spiritual day," he said of the experience.
Those who want to experience volunteering should contact Mary Welshons, activities director, at 587-4423.
