Elve is one of those people who never thinks twice about helping others. The proof comes from the hundreds of lives she's impacted through her volunteer work.
For two decades, she's been immersed in 4-H programs. She helped organize the Bloomington City Slickers more than 18 years ago. In the late 1980s she helped found the Hennepin County Hoofbeats --- a club for horse enthusiasts. Elve also serves on the seven county Metro Cluster council, and organizes 4-H events at the Minnesota State Fair. She even finds time to write, edit, print, and distribute the 4-H county newsletter.
But that's only part of why Elve is being recognized as one of the Eleven Who Care. Since 1971, she's been helping refugees start new lives in the United States. Many arrive with only the clothes they're wearing. Elve vividly recalls one particular occasion. A family of refugees arrived at the Twin Cities Airport without a single pair of shoes. Elve had to trace around the refugees' bare feet right in the middle of the airport terminal so she could buy shoes for them.
In addition, Elve taught public school for 28 years and Sunday school for 35 years. That's why she considers high school teachers and pastors as her heroes.
*Donation to:
Hennepin County Hoofbeats 4-H Club and
St. Luke's Lutheran Church