Nearly four decades of giving back: Mavis Mier

By Victoria Wittenbrock

Intern

GREEN BAY – The smiling face of 88-year-old Mavis Mier can often be found in the produce aisle at Paul’s Pantry on Green Bay’s east side.

“She is our rockstar here,” Bob Hornacek, assistant executive director of Paul’s Pantry, said. “The world is truly better because of Mavis.”

Mier, who has volunteered at the pantry for 38 years, said it’s important for her to give back, because she understands what it's like to be in the position of needing food and how much of a difference help from the community can make.

Her nearly four decades of volunteering began when her family hit some bumps in the road in the 1980s, and looked to Paul’s Pantry for help.

She said while in line waiting for food, a man – who she later discovered was pantry founder Leo Frigo – came out and told those in line they were in desperate need of volunteers.

“He said, ‘We are going to be opening late,” she said. “‘We don’t have enough workers. If you come in (and help), we’ll give you extra food.’ And I’ve been here ever since.”

She said she later became close with Frigo and admired his passion for helping those in need.

Mier said Frigo’s opinion meant a lot to her, and credits him for the fulfillment she has felt in her life.

“Leo retired from his cheese company to start a pantry for those in need,” she said. “You can see how great it is. He would be very proud if he were here.”

Mier said she prays for him every day to let him know things are going good.

The joy of giving back

Paul's Pantry volunteer Mavis Mier said one of her favorite parts about volunteering is meeting new people like Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. Submitted Photo

Mier said one of her favorite parts about volunteering is meeting new people and being around others.

“It makes you feel good inside, helping others,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful feeling.”

Hornacek said Mier contributes to the pantry’s lively atmosphere and is one of the reasons Paul’s Pantry runs so smoothly.

“Here, we believe everyone has dignity from God, and that everyone that comes through our doors should be treated with love, understanding, dignity, respect and compassion,” he said. “Mavis is a large part of that.”

One of Mier’s main duties includes making sure produce is prepared for those coming in, as well as taking the tickets of those who come through the lines.

“She is always on her feet and always has a smile on her face,” Hornacek said. “She never has a bad day.”

Mier said volunteering was something she enjoyed doing with her husband, but even after he passed away about eight years ago, she continued to give back – crediting her seven children as motivation to continue the work.

“They are all wonderful kids,” she said.

Mier said family is very important to her, spending most of her life as a stay-at-home mother, dedicated to her children’s upbringing.

Hornacek said Paul’s Pantry is where many people come to work as their own form of retirement.

“Mavis is the heart and soul of Paul’s Pantry,” he said. “She is such a kind and generous woman. She has given nearly four decades of her time to serve people in need at Paul’s Pantry. And she does it with a contagious, positive attitude. She is a great example to all of us that age is just a number. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Mavis.”

Mier said some of her most treasured memories are those with Frigo. 

“Leo asked me to come in and work, and when he saw me go from one job to another without having to be told, he told me that he thought that was great,” she said. “He was a wonderful man.”

Celebrating Mavis

Just last month, Paul’s Pantry volunteers and workers gathered to celebrate Mier’s 88th birthday.

She said she received a variety of gifts, including “a necklace, a change purse shaped like a heart and a cup that says, ‘18 with 70 years of experience.’” 

Mier said she has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I’ll retire when I’m good and dead,” she said.

Mier credits dance as the secret to her longevity. 

“I dance every morning before I come,” she said. “It’s good exercise, and it keeps my heart going.”

Although she said any music puts her in the mood to dance, her favorite is country.

Mier said she enjoys volunteering and encourages younger generations to do the same.

“It gives you the best feeling,” she said.