John's Corner
John’s Corner is located in the kitchen of the Rochester Salvation Army’s Social Service Building. It occupies a small corner of the space, housing only a dishwashing machine, a sink, and a counter.
This area represents more than a corner of a kitchen. It represents years of giving back.
John Borcherding, of whom “John’s Corner” is named, has been a regular volunteer at The Salvation Army’s afternoon meal program since October 2014, volunteering his time multiple days each week.
Since his start date in 2014, John has volunteered for 5,541 hours in support of The Salvation Army meal program in Rochester, a program that provides lunch for 80-120 people.
That’s roughly 1 hour and 19 minutes per day for the last 11 and a half years. If you have attended an afternoon meal at The Salvation Army, chances are, John was present; washing dishes, restocking cups, working behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly.
John has also given 298 hours of time to bell ringing (2012-2025), 6 hours of service to Rochester’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive (2024-25), and 4 hours towards The Salvation Army’s Coat Collection and Distribution efforts (2023).
When asked why he enjoys volunteering, John says, “It gives me something to do. It gets me out of the house and keeps me active. Plus, I enjoy helping.”
Clients of the Social Service Building know John by name, and are excited to see him walk in, or “report for duty” as they often say.
Familiarity and friendliness are qualities many Salvation Army clients gravitate toward, making John’s presence more important than just that of a dishwashing volunteer. He represents stability and reliability for many people without much of either in their lives.
The plaque hanging in the kitchen, created by Program Director, Steve Friederich, is a reminder of why John serves: because he is called to do so.
John’s faith is not a secret. Posted around the same kitchen he spends most days volunteering in, are poems and quotes written by John about his faith. His motivation to volunteer aligns so well with The Salvation Army’s mission statement; ‘To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.’
John isn’t alone. Every day, The Salvation Army in Rochester utilizes dozens of volunteers to aid in the implementation of programs and services, and the need is always growing.
“Volunteers drive what we do here,” said Bret Hayhurst, who coordinates volunteers for the Rochester Salvation Army, “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to operate any of our programs or provide any sort of assistance to those who need us.
“I have never met someone who is more selfless,” said Hayhurst, “John comes in every day with a smile on his face and a mission to do what he does. There’s no fanfare, there’s no spectacle. It’s just a mentality to do what he’s called to do without drawing attention to what he’s doing. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer on our team.”
To volunteer for The Salvation Army in Rochester, MN, please visit https://volunteer.central.salvationarmyusa.org/.
If you want to receive more stories of the impact The Salvation Army is making right here in Olmsted County, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/mn/rochester/ne-1-ave-corps/stories/.