Molly Johnson is Devils Lake’s most recent Unsung Hero. Molly grew up in Devils Lake and was the youngest of David & Agnes “Toots” Crouch’s eight children. Volunteering was introduced to Molly at a young age. “My dad was very active in the Devils Lake community,” stated Johnson. “I can remember he was the President of the Eagles Club in town and was always busy helping at the club. He was very humble and just went about quietly volunteering and giving back.” He was so humble that at his funeral, Johnson found out something she didn’t know about her dad. Johnson said, “Sid Paulson did the eulogy and he said my dad was instrumental in getting the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing tournament off the ground!” Johnson said that she didn’t know this and was filled with pride when she found out! The DLVFD Ice Fishing tournament has turned into one of the biggest fundraisers in Devils Lake.
Given the good example of her dad, it’s no surprise Molly has continued the tradition of giving back. Molly and her husband Ed have three adult children, Sarah, Shelby, and Aaron. Molly could always be found helping out at school activities. In their younger years, she helped with school PTO and different fundraisers and as they got older, she was involved in their extracurricular activities. You could find her helping at the hockey rink, dance studio, or at the football games. “I really enjoyed when our kids were in school. Getting involved helped me meet lots of great people plus I had fun along the way!”
One of her first volunteer projects, aside from her school involvement, was helping at her church. She said that Pastor Jamie asked her to be on the church council and she declined, but on the third attempt – she agreed! “I had never been involved on the other side of the church, I just always attended as a member. I remember how surprised I was at all the behind-the-scenes stuff that happens to keep a church going!” said Johnson. Her portfolio was Outreach and Stewardship. She will always remember church council member Berta Soper telling her that we have to pray about where God is going to lead you. “It’s interesting how these opportunities come along and hit at the time your soul is seeking.”
Her prayers then led her to the Hope Center where she has been volunteering for the past 11 years! She joined the board and found herself taking notes at the meetings. One thing led to another and now she handles all of the bookwork for the Center – all while she still works full time at her Thrivent job! “I have really enjoyed learning QuickBooks, making deposits, and paying bills.” She doesn’t just do the books, every Tuesday and Friday she picks up bread from the local grocery stores and delivers it to the Hope Center. Since most of her work is behind the scenes, delivering the bread and milk on Tuesdays allows her to visit with the clients. “Some of the people that need the services of the Hope Center are at a difficult spot in life and I always try to listen and provide them with encouragement – this could happen to any one of us,” says Johnson. Her kind and compassionate personality can make anyone feel comfortable and at ease.
When asked why she volunteers, Johnson said “I am healthy and able to give back to our community. I feel like God has a higher purpose for me so I keep going the direction in which he is leading me. It doesn’t take much to make a community better, and we’re blessed with a small enough community to have plenty of opportunity to help.”
On behalf of the Unsung Hero committee, “Thank you Molly Johnson for all you do to make the Lake Region a better place to live.”
