MoW meets the needs of people who can’t prepare meals, have no family to help them, or can’t afford enough food. Long appreciates getting a chance to visit and know them.

MoW volunteers are often the only person checking on clients. Once, Long arrived at a client’s home shortly after they had fallen. Long was able to comfort them and notify family and medical assistance.

Long also volunteers at Love INC, providing transportation for medical appointments and shopping, and at the Factory Ministries, which started as a youth center. It now has expanded to serve families by helping them become self-sufficient. Long served on their board for seven years.

“You’ll always encounter someone who’s not 100 percent satisfied, but that’s rare. It’s so rewarding to have them open their door, see you, and get a big smile on their face,” Long said. “Taking a few minutes to chat with them makes me feel better too.”

Born in Christiana, Long grew up in Beaver Falls in western Pennsylvania and attended nursing school in Pittsburgh.

Her husband was in the Army; from Okinawa, he was transferred to Barstow, California, in the Mojave Desert. After 12 years, the Longs moved back to Lancaster to attend Lancaster Bible College when they were in their 30s.

Long’s husband passed in 1988. They opened their home to college students with financial needs and provided housing for as many as seven.

Long likes to read, enjoys needlework, and attends many college sporting events to support the student athletes.

If you would like to learn about volunteer opportunities in Lancaster County, contact Margie Groy at (717) 454-8647 or lancleb@rsvpcapreg.org.