Some people call it the Golden Rule. Others refer to it as the 11th Commandment.

Putting others ahead of yourself is good for the soul. Volunteering with your spouse is even more meaningful and enjoyable.

For Merle and Ruth Ann Reinford, who reside in the Conestoga Valley School District, volunteering together at Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS) is a shared experience. From the opposite end of the spectrum, nonprofits like CVCCS lean heavily on volunteers like the Reinfords to perform the work that they do.

"(Volunteering with Ruth Ann) is special," said Merle. "When I was (working), I wouldn't be spending time with her. It's nice to know we're working together for the common good of people."

"(CVCCS) is close by, and (volunteering) is something I'm able to do," said Ruth Ann. "I can physically do this, and I feel that I can fit in. There's satisfaction in knowing I made someone's day better and helped provide for them."

Ruth Ann and Merle have been married for 54 years, and they're the parents of three adult children and grandparents to five. They've been volunteering at CVCCS a few hours each week, Ruth Ann for the last 11 years and Merle for the last eight years.

Both are retired, but their volunteer work at CVCCS helps keep them active.

"I'm glad it's something we can do together," said Ruth Ann. "When he was still (working), I was volunteering. Before, I could tell him what I was doing and how my day went. Now it's nice to be able to do it together."

"There are a couple of reasons I give back," said Merle. "I know there is a lot of need out there, and I don't have as busy a schedule anymore. It gives me satisfaction knowing I helped serve God in a way that's meaningful to other people. I'm doing a little part of what I can do."

"I have some time to (volunteer)," said Ruth Ann. "I feel like there's a lot of need. Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services is one of the places where I can meet some of those needs."

At CVCCS - which runs the local food bank and clothing bank - Merle sorts and packs food, helps in the cooler and freezer and assists in the loading of clients' vehicles. Ruth Ann performs some administrative services and assists clients in their selection of food items.

Ruth Ann and Merle are among 80 active volunteers who donated a total of 4,000 hours to CVCCS in 2023. Among the duties performed by volunteers are special cleaning projects, assisting with youth programs, sorting and hanging clothing, stocking food on shelves and serving clients.

"Some (volunteers) help weekly, monthly or as they can," said Dottie Slothower, CVCCS' director of client services and volunteer coordinator. "We couldn't operate without them."

A one-time homemaker, Ruth Ann has also volunteered as an administrative assistant and as a sewist. Before retiring, Merle taught high school mathematics at Lancaster Mennonite for 43 years.

"What I want people to realize is that CVCCS is a great ministry," said Merle. "Helping others is really rewarding, and I think, in general, spouses working together can make their marriages stronger."

"If anyone has any extra time, I'd encourage them to get involved," said Ruth Ann, "and not just at CVCCS." She indicated that volunteer opportunities abound at other organizations as well.

For additional information about Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services, go to http://www.cvccs.org.