Warsaw Resident Makes Retirement Worthwhile Through Volunteering
WARSAW – Merriam-Webster’s definition of a volunteer is “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service such as one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest.” Local resident Leroy Ray Rapp epitomizes this definition.
Rapp worked as a teacher and coach for 18 years in Southport and another 18 years for the Wawasee School Corporation. During his years as a teacher, he spent the summer months doing volunteer work in Central America through various churches. He has done volunteer work in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Haiti, the Philippines, Indonesia and Belgium. Rapp has done various forms of volunteer work over the years, including painting, cement work, carpentry and teaching.
After retiring in 1989, Rapp continued his volunteer work, becoming involved with Wycliffe Bible Translators where he spent time in New Guinea.
Rapp has been a member of Lions Club, Gideons International and North Webster Church of God. “It’s been an interesting life,” mused Rapp.
Although he is now in his 80s, Rapp doesn’t appear ready to stop doing volunteer work anytime soon. Since 2013 Rapp has been involved with the local Salvation Army where he has been a bell ringer for the past four bell-ringing seasons.
The Salvation Army, located on East Arthur Street, Warsaw, is an international organization which strives to feed, clothe, comfort and care. Their work is funded through donations and corporate contributions.
According to Salvation Army records, Rapp rang the bell at the Big R location for 110 hours during the 2016 holiday season, 88 hours during the 2015 season and 92 hours in 2014.
Melissa Cunningham, administrative assistant at the Warsaw Salvation Army, fondly describes Rapp as “a kind, giving and delightful man with a fun sense of humor,” and states, “We are blessed to have his enthusiastic support each year.”
“That’s what we’re here on earth for – to do service,” Rapp states, adding, “You might as well do something worthwhile.”