Our Investing In Impact series is all about shining light on the members of our American Licorice Company family who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering.
On National Volunteer Recognition Day (April 20), we are excited to share the unique and amazing way our own Mellissa Miller creates an impact through her time spent at the Blacksmith Shop at La Porte County Fairground’s Pioneerland.
The Fairgrounds in our own La Porte County celebrated their 150th anniversary in 1995 with the launch of a new venture: Pioneerland. Over the last three decades, this entirely volunteer-run operation has grown to include a log cabin, a blacksmith shop, an antique post & beam barn, a one-room schoolhouse, a post office, a general store, a farm bureau cabin, a pioneer heritage garden, an outdoor cooking kitchen, quilter’s cabin, artisan barn, and wash house.
Volunteers are responsible for each entity, with each unique establishment serving the purpose of educating curious visitors about life as it was in the early 1800s. Mellissa has been included among these volunteers since 2019. You can typically find her at the Blacksmith Shop (see her fiery forge photos below!). But she has also assisted with other events throughout the year. Aside from their seasonal operations over the summer months, Pioneerland offers spring and fall school tours, a seasonal gathering in December, and other special events by request throughout the year.
Mellissa serves as a Warehouse Team Lead at our Sour Punch production facility in La Porte, IN. Not only does she make an impact in her local community through her work as a volunteer, but Mellissa has also spent the last 15 years making an impact on her co-workers.
Nate Hall, who oversees Mellissa and her team, says her favorite quote is: “I’m just doing the do,” a phrase which speaks to how she approaches her work, and to her values of integrity, duty, respect, and teamwork. Of Mellissa, Nate says, “Mellissa leads by example and pushes the envelope when it comes to change. Mellissa knows that without change there can be no improvement, [and she] instills that same drive and focus that she has into her team.”
What perhaps makes the biggest impact for her teammates is her willingness to help in any way she can, even if only by lending an ear to those looking to be heard and understood. And her desire to help goes beyond the hours she spends with her Sour Punch family.
When asked why she volunteers, Mellissa says matter-of-factly: “I feel that we should all give back to our communities when we have the opportunities to do so.” We couldn’t agree more. Which is why we asked her how she would encourage others to get involved and make a contribution of their own. “I would encourage them to find something that they are passionate about,” she says, emphasizing that people can use their passion to give back in a way that is meaningful to them.
If you are inspired by Mellissa’s story and are interested in finding a volunteer opportunity where you are, visit VolunteerMatch.org. Happy volunteering!
Meet another of our amazing Associates, Chad Wert, who invests in impact through volunteering at American Licorice Company and beyond.
