Mary Vollink, the Traverse City Salvation Army’s Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, was selected by the Traverse Connect Board of Directors to receive the Distinguished Service Award. The DSA is among the region’s oldest and most prestigious civic awards, presented annually since 1929. Ms. Vollink will be honored at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon on May 21, 2025.

Mary’s long tenure with The Salvation Army began in the early 1980s in Holland, where she was born and raised. In 1988, she and her husband, Jim, relocated to Traverse City, and shortly following their move, she joined the staff of the Traverse City Salvation Army and the TCAPS Transportation Department. Mary drove a school bus, transporting elementary and special needs students until 2010, and she is still considered a friend by many of the families she got to know while serving the district’s students.

Mary has been dedicated to the mission of The Salvation Army since her childhood, alongside her parents and four siblings. After participating in its programs as a young person, Mary grew into leadership roles in Holland and Traverse City. In addition to her responsibilities as the Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Mary is the Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator. In addition to her official roles, Mary gives significant time to teaching youth groups and summer camps, mentoring young people and adults, lending a hand for food drives, ringing the bell at the holidays, transporting those in need, and serving on the boards of WLJN and The Salvation Army’s church.

“Mary Vollink cares about this community with no concern for fame; she is a selfless servant,” said Patrick J. Parker, ret. fire chief of the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department. “You can only be a volunteer coordinator if you are out front leading with the care and compassion you expect from your volunteers.”

“Mary Vollink has been a tireless worker and volunteer at The Salvation Army for decades,” said Jason Allen, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, Michigan North and Michigan State Senator from 2003-2010. “Mary is a quiet leader that has given mercy and support for our region.”