Local Resident Honored for Dedicated Volunteer Service to Senior Living Community Peggy Sampson recognized for her service to seniors
WILLMAR – February 17, 2026 – Each year, LeadingAge Minnesota’s Volunteer of the Year award recognizes individuals whose commitment and dedication enhance the quality of life for seniors and their communities. This year’s award winner is Peggy Sampson of Willmar.
Peggy Sampson’s commitment to older adults at Bethesda reflects the very heart of volunteerism – faithful, selfless, and rooted in love for those she serves. Since 2024, Peggy has been the steady, joy-filled center of the Current Trends Christian Gift Shop, volunteering five days a week to welcome residents, team members, and visitors with warmth and care. In addition to creating a welcoming space for meaningful connection, the gift shop’s proceeds benefit the Bethesda Foundation, helping support programs and services that enrich the lives of residents throughout the community.
“Peggy brings joy, compassion, and steadfast dedication to everyone she meets,” said Michelle Haefner, CEO of Bethesda. “Her presence in our gift shop not only makes it a special place for residents and visitors alike, but every bit of that effort also supports the Bethesda Foundation. The foundation’s work helps enhance life at Bethesda in countless ways — from meaningful activities and resident programs to services that bring comfort and community. We are truly grateful for Peggy’s heart for service and the impact she has on all of us.”
Join us in congratulating Peggy for being recognized with this award.
About Bethesda
Bethesda is a not-for-profit social ministry organization dedicated to serving seniors in West Central Minnesota through residential and community-based health and wellness services. Bethesda, which has been caring for seniors for over 125 years, provides a full continuum of care, including skilled nursing care, short-stay therapy center, home health care, outpatient therapy, independent and assisted living, adult day services and two community wellness centers.
About LeadingAge Minnesota
Driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging, LeadingAge Minnesota works alongside its members, caregivers, advocates, and consumers to collectively shape the future of aging services and ensure older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning, and purpose. Together with more than 60,000 caregivers, LeadingAge Minnesota members provide quality care, services, and support to 70,000 older adults every day in independent senior housing, assisted living communities, adult day, in-home care, and skilled nursing facilities.
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Kristin Rucks
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