Lifetime Volunteers of the Year: Janice Danzl (Minneapolis, MN) and Bill Lakin (Brainerd, MN)

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 Janice Danzl and Bill Lakin, winners of our Lifetime 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.”

Bill Lakin
Brainerd, MN

For more than 40 years, Bill Lakin has been a steadfast and faithful volunteer at The Salvation Army in Brainerd, Minn., serving across a wide range of ministries and offering support wherever it is needed most.

From food shelf operations to Emergency Disaster Services (EDS)—for which he once served as EDS Coordinator—Bill’s dedication and love for The Salvation Army’s mission are unmistakable. In every role he undertakes, he embodies our spirit of service.

Bill’s commitment is especially evident during the Christmas season. Nearly every day, he gives his time to count kettle donations, assist with volunteer scheduling, and support the team in any way possible. He is also a regular bell ringer himself. His consistent presence, reliability, and joyful spirit make him deeply loved within our community. His knowledge of both the past and present needs of the Brainerd Lakes area is invaluable and often helps guide ministry decisions.

Most recently, during an EDS feeding operation for a missing‑person search, Bill served as a liaison with local law enforcement and partnering agencies. His initiative strengthened communication and ensured smooth collaboration. The local police chief even shared how Bill had been enthusiastically promoting the meal we were serving—and that first responders were genuinely looking forward to it. That is who Bill is: always willing, always ready, and always amplifying the mission of The Salvation Army.

Bill exemplifies our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination. He serves with humility, heart, and unwavering dedication.

Janice Danzl
Minneapolis, MN

For the past 14 years, Janice Danzl has faithfully served as a cornerstone of the food pantry at The Salvation Army in Northeast Minneapolis.

Her commitment goes far beyond simply showing up. She offers warmth, dignity, and genuine care to every person she encounters. She ensures that individuals and families not only receive food, but also feel respected and valued during challenging moments. Through her steady presence and tireless service, she lives out The Salvation Army’s mission in meaningful, tangible ways.

What makes Janice’s service even more remarkable is that her compassion extends beyond our walls. In addition to her long-standing commitment with The Salvation Army, she also volunteers with the Animal Humane Society, giving her time and heart to care for animals in need. Whether serving people or animals, Janice leads with empathy, humility, and an unwavering desire to help those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Volunteers like Janice are rare. Her years of faithful service, paired with her broader commitment to the community, make her deeply deserving of recognition. We are profoundly grateful for her generosity and for the countless lives that have been touched by her kindness.

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