Pure religion: Still a volunteer
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
It's Wednesday at the bishop's storehouse at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City and 93- year-old Ed Erickson stands in his clean overalls and gray shirt, a shovel, broom, and wheelbarrow nearby.
His job — the job he has been volunteering to do for the last seven years — is to sweep the sidewalks in front of the storehouse.
"Many of the people who come here have troubles and cares," he said. "They're hungry and maybe even a little lonely. What I do makes the outside look a little more clean and beautiful for them. It may not be a big thing, but it makes me happy."
Brother Erickson was born on Christmas Eve 1909. His premature birth affected the optic nerve in his vision and his ability to hear well.
"I had to fight for my health ever since I was a little kid," he said. "I couldn't go to school, I couldn't see where I was going half the time, and I couldn't play with the other kids . . . couldn't play ball or anything like that. I couldn't even see well enough to learn a trade or drive a car."
Despite his many challenges, Brother Erickson always worked hard. He shoveled coal and cleaned brick. He worked for the city street department for 26 years. Additionally, he took care of the old Sixth/Seventh Ward building in Salt Lake City. He even volunteered at the Deseret Gym.
Brother Erickson never married. His father died when Ed was very young and he watched over his mother until she passed away in a rest home.
Those who work with him describe Brother Erickson as positive, upbeat and gentle. He doesn't have to be instructed on how to serve. He seems to know just what needs to be done and does it.
Those who watch him feel that Brother Erickson really wants to be there. It must be true, because he says he'll spend the remaining Wednesdays of his life with a broom, a shovel and a wheelbarrow in front of the bishop's storehouse.
— Neil K. Newell, Welfare Services
