Wayne and Linda Pynnonen have spent the past 30 years volunteering to serve meals, build friendships, and make a difference in the lives of community members who come to the Community Action House’s Community Kitchen in Holland.
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission recognized the West Olive couple’s extraordinary dedication by honoring them with the Governor’s Service Award.
They were among 37 recipients from across Michigan who received the award, which highlights individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to service and their communities.
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Courtesy Community Action HouseOttawa County residents Wayne and Linda Pynnonen, 30-year volunteers at Community Action House, received the Governor’s Service Award for their dedication.
The Pynnonens first became involved with Community Action House’s Community Kitchen through their church, where they joined a group of volunteers who would help out once a month. But that initial commitment quickly grew.
Linda’s involvement deepened after her retirement as an elementary and reading teacher of 33 years in 1995. Soon, Wayne joined in. The couple decided to volunteer weekly, creating a lasting presence at the Community Kitchen.
‘A joy in our lives’
Wayne, a blueberry farmer who also worked with the U.S. Forest Service and a Christmas tree company, says the relationships they’ve built through their volunteer work have enriched their lives.
“It’s just been a joy in our lives to meet all these people and to be able to, in some ways, make a difference,” says Linda, 84.
Wayne, 87, adds, “If we don’t show up, they wonder why not. We’re all just one big group here.”
The couple’s dedication is about more than serving nourishing meals to those in need. During their weekly volunteering, they spend time listening to the people who come through the doors and build relationships, offering them a sense of belonging and friendship.
Wayne and Linda say their goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels seen, valued, and part of a community.
“Wayne and Linda remind us of the impact that each of us can have when we turn compassion into action,” says Scott Rumpsa, CEO of Community Action House. “We are so grateful to Wayne and Linda for their 30-plus years of commitment to building a stronger community. Their kindness and consistency have been instrumental in creating a welcoming space for everyone who comes to the Community Kitchen.”
Community Action House’s Community Kitchen, located at Western Theological Seminary at 101 East 13th Street, serves hot meals daily to anyone in need, seven days a week.
Volunteers like the Pynnonens are essential to the operation. Each year, more than 2,300 volunteers contribute their time and energy to support Community Action House’s programs.
Volunteering internationally
In addition to their work at the Community Kitchen, Wayne and Linda’s commitment to service has taken them around the world.
“We’ve traveled a lot, to 92 countries,” Linda says.
Over the years, the couple has volunteered in places as far-flung as India, where they worked at a school, and Honduras and Mexico, where they assisted local programs. Their travels often involved service through their church, and they have always balanced their love of travel with their commitment to Community Action House.
“We were never gone for more than three weeks, so it doesn’t interfere with our volunteering,” Linda says.
The Pynnonens describe themselves as blessed by the people they have met through volunteering.
“It’s brought such joy to our lives,” says Linda. “We feel so blessed. We’ve met wonderful people, both in the people we volunteer with and in the clients that we meet.”
The couple was formally recognized at a reception hosted by Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission on Nov. 14 at the Detroit Opera House.
The couple was grateful that their family — their daughter, son and his wife, and their granddaughter, who attends the University of Michigan, joined them at the reception at the Detroit Opera House, making the event more special.
“It’s wonderful to have them with us for this honor,” Linda says. “We feel very humbled by the recognition.”