97-year-old volunteer honored with Hometown Heart Award

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va (WDTV) - Wilmadeen Rieser, a 97-year-old volunteer at The Mustard Seed in Clarksburg, is being recognized with a Hometown Heart Award presentation sponsored by Antero Resources.
Rieser volunteers two days a week at The Mustard Seed, where she works on assembling and preparing items for people who come in for groceries and other assistance.
“I put packages together for people that are needy — that come for groceries and things,” Rieser said. “I divide the big packages into small packages so we can give them away.”
Staff members at The Mustard Seed said they value Rieser’s work ethic and the role she plays in the organization’s mission.
“She never slows down. She is a great representative for what we’ve been doing here at The Mustard Seed since the 70’s — neighbors taking care of neighbors,” Dolores said. “She is a big part of that.”
Rieser said she reached out to The Mustard Seed to find a way to help, even though she uses a walker. She said she has been volunteering there for almost three years.
“It means so much to me to be able to come,” Rieser said. “Everyone can do something.”
Dolores said Rieser’s attitude and determination stand out.

“She has a spirit that is so West Virginia,” Dolores said. “It is positive. It is happy. She’s always got a smile.”
Dolores said that even when tasks are difficult, Rieser finds a way to finish the work.
“She will tell you right up front, ‘This is a day that this hand is not working. These Ziplock bags are difficult,’” Dolores said. “But, she finds a way.”
Rieser said volunteering has been rewarding.
“It gives me really a good feeling to know that we can help people in this manner,” she said. “It’s something wonderful to do.”