Group Volunteers of the Year: Chase Family (Brooklyn Park, MN) and Pearson Family (Grand Forks, 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 the Chase and Pearson families, winners of our Group 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.”

Chase Family   
Brooklyn Park, MN

The Chase family’s roots run deep at The Salvation Army in Brooklyn Park, Minn., where they give in abundance all year long.

The Chase family includes parents Sara and David and children Micah, Miriam and Silas. Together, the family is always among the first to help when called upon—whether making local seniors feel special during nursing home visits, or ringing bells during the Christmas season, and so much more.

Here’s a closer look:

Sara serves as a welcome greeter during church services every Sunday morning. She knows everyone's names and welcomes them with a smiling face. She also serves as women’s ministry secretary, leads Wednesday youth night, helps prepare and serve meals, and is on rotation as a nursery leader. During the Christmas season, she makes volunteer calls four days a week to ensure a steady stream of bell ringers are standing at the Red Kettles.  

David leads the church brass band on Sunday morning, organizing all the music and the lyrics that are projected on the screen. He also co-leads with Sara during Wednesday youth night, playing games with kids and engaging youth in conversation.

Micah serves with the brass band on Sunday mornings and helps during major events.

Miriam leads youth Sunday school class once a month and helps in the Sunday morning nursery. She also plays in the brass band on Sunday mornings.

Silas is a budding volunteer who joins his family during nursing home visits and Christmas bell ringing. He also sets a positive example to his peers in youth group by the way he conducts himself.

Thank you to the Chase family for setting a powerful example of year-round service and compassion in action.

Kent and Dawn Pearson  
Grand Forks, ND

Kent and Dawn Pearson embody the heart of The Salvation Army’s mission through their steady, selfless service in Grand Forks, N.D. Whether standing in front of a congregation or working quietly behind the scenes, they lead with compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to help others. 

Kent and Dawn support many outreach activities at the Grand Forks Salvation Army, including local distributions of coats, school supplies, and toys. They also volunteer in the food pantry twice a week, picking up donated food from local grocery stores to ensure the shelves stay stocked for their local neighbors in need.

In addition, the couple shares their love of God by ministering in a variety of ways, including serving as music teachers at The Salvation Army’s youth summer camp. Recently, Kent even delivered the Sunday morning church message at the Grand Forks Salvation Army, with Dawn serving as accompanist. 

Since 2019, Kent and Dawn have touched countless lives. While the list of their contributions continues to grow, what stands out most is their unwavering commitment to serve. The couple doesn’t just support The Salvation Army’s mission—they live it every day, strengthening their community through faithful, hands-on love.

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