Exemplary Volunteers of the Year: Joanna Sindt (Minneapolis, MN) and Jim Papacek (Bismarck, ND)

The Salvation Army Northern Division is proud to celebrate our dedicated volunteers in Minnesota and North Dakota during National Volunteer Week 2026.

Nearly 22,000 Salvation Army volunteers give their time to help others throughout our region. They cook and serve hot meals, ring bells at Christmastime, help disaster survivors, push paperwork, mentor at-risk kids, and so much more.   

Of these volunteers, several have stood out for their uncommon grit, grace and dedication. They are our 2026 Volunteers of the Year: Janice Danzl, Bill Lakin, Jim Papacek, Kent and Dawn Pearson, Joanna Sindt, and the Chase Family, along with Legacy Award winners Ray Mortensen and Judy Secord.

Today, we shine a spotlight on Joanna Sindt and Jim Papacek, winners of our Exemplary Volunteer of the Year category.

“Congratulations to our 2026 Volunteers of the Year,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Their dedication inspires our commitment to delivering food, shelter and care to people and families in need throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.”

Jim Papacek
Bismarck, N.D.

Six years ago, Jim Papacek burst onto the scene at The Salvation Army in Bismarck, N.D., as a holiday bell ringer. Since then, he has been a steadfast and joyful presence at the Red Kettles, raising thousands of dollars for local people in need. 

Since retiring from a career in local education, Jim has chosen to invest his time, energy, and heart into serving his community. As a volunteer bell ringer, has generously given more than 100 volunteer hours—each one marked by his unmistakable spirit of hope, compassion, and love.

Jim embodies what it means to serve others with humility and purpose. Whether greeting shoppers with a warm smile, or offering a kind word to those passing by, or standing faithfully in the cold North Dakota winter, he brings light to every space he occupies. His time at the Red Kettles is more than a volunteer shift—it is a ministry of encouragement, dignity, and genuine care.

Jim’s consistency, reliability, and joyful attitude have made him a beloved part of the Bismarck Salvation Army’s Christmas outreach. He represents the very best of volunteerism: selfless, steady, and deeply rooted in a desire to make life better for others.

Joanna Sindt           
Minneapolis, MN

Joanna Sindt is a volunteer force, spreading joy to everyone she meets every time she walks through the doors of The Salvation Army in North Minneapolis.

Joanna originally began volunteering for a simple reason: To make positive changes in her life. Since then, she has been a gift to the North Minneapolis community, volunteering two days every week to help serve local people and families in need. She is hard working, highly organized, and a wonderful presence. 

As an added bonus, Joanna also volunteers as a bell ringer during the Christmas season—and was a top local fundraiser in 2025.

In addition to volunteering, Joanna is also an active member of the North Minneapolis Salvation Army’s church and is working to become a Salvation Army Soldier.

Joanna’s kindness, dedication, and joyful spirit make a lasting impact, and we truly appreciate all that she does.

Get involved with The Salvation Army's mission of serving others by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.