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For 42 years, Elsie Hamm has been a steady, smiling presence at the Portage MCC thrift store, a cornerstone of the community whose dedication to service is nothing short of inspirational. What began as a visit to the Carmen MCC store with her cousin in the early 1980s blossomed into a lifelong mission to give back.
"I loved it. Absolutely loved it," Hamm recalls. "And when they started talking about opening a store in Portage, it was just automatic, I came over to help."
Now, over four decades later, Hamm's dedication continues to shape the store's culture and community. Hamm estimates she has volunteered thousands of hours since that first day. In 2024 alone, she logged nearly 750 hours, and she's already surpassed 450 in 2025.
But for Hamm, volunteering is not just something she does, it's who she is.
"Volunteering is just a lifestyle," she says. "You see a need and you help. It's that simple. You love the people, you love the work, and you love the mission, to help others, especially in Third World countries."
A Community Icon
Hamm's years at the MCC include a remarkable milestone: in 1995, she became the organization's first paid manager in Portage. True to her generous spirit, even then she only accepted pay for four days a week, volunteering her time on the fifth.
"It was important to me to know our customers by name," she said, recalling how she used to jot down names and descriptions in her pocket to better connect with shoppers. "It makes people feel welcome."
That human touch has earned her recognition from generations of Portage residents. "People come in and they say hi to you, they know your name. It's special," she said.
Hamm's influence has spread beyond the storefront. Her son Kevin Hamm, now the general manager at Portage MCC, credits his mother with inspiring his own path, and that of the entire family.
"I remember when I was much younger, not working here, and Mom would tell us all the exciting things that happened," Kevin said. "She's always been passionate about the store, about helping people. And she recruited all of us, my dad, my wife, our daughter. It's become a family mission."
Even after all these years, Elsie continues to work regularly, focusing on areas like accessories and linens. She recently received a donation so meticulously packed that each hanky, doily, and table runner came labeled with its measurements and neatly zipped in individual bags, a testament, she says, to the care and generosity of MCC donors.
A Shining Example
Judie Mann, volunteer coordinator at Portage MCC, calls Hamm 'a shaker and mover' whose impact cannot be overstated.
"She was one of the founding people who got Portage MCC off the ground," Mann said. "She's a motivator, a cheerleader for volunteers, and a fantastic baker who blesses our break room."
According to Mann, Hamm embodies the spirit of MCC's mission, and the staff and volunteers deeply appreciate her kind heart and unwavering dedication.
"Volunteers like Elsie are the heart of what we do. We couldn't function without them," she said.
Passing the Torch
Though Elsie Hamm's presence is unmistakable, Kevin notes that the generation of long-term volunteers like his mother is slowly dwindling.
"There used to be a lot more like her," he said. "Some served their whole lives here,30, 40 years. But as long as health permits, I'm sure she'll continue. The store is such a huge part of her life, it's part of who she is."
Elsie also actively encourages others to get involved. "I can't tell you how many times she's said to customers, ‘You shop here all the time, why not volunteer with us?’" Kevin laughed. "She's an evangelist for the store."
A Lasting Legacy
So, what does Elsie hope to leave behind when she eventually decides she want to take a well-earned rest?
"The passion in caring, in showing love, but also excellence," she says. "We've always maintained a high standard here, how we treat people, how we run the store. I'd like to see that continue."
And she hopes her legacy will be one of inspiration, for her family, for MCC, and for the next generation of volunteers.
"I'm just grateful," she says. "Grateful for the health and strength and the opportunity to serve."
As Portage MCC looks to the future, it's clear that Elsie Hamm's commitment, humility, and joy in service have not only built a stronger store, but they’ve also built a stronger community.
Interested in Volunteering? Mann says "The Portage MCC is always looking for new volunteers. Whether you have one hour a week or ten, there's a place for you."