Mount Pleasant Man Devoted to Helping Others

Mount Pleasant resident Jamie Jenkins has the ability to make even a saint feel inferior.

With his countless hours and sincere devotion to helping others, volunteering is a focal point in his life. From HALO (Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization) to The American Red Cross, Jamie takes charge and truly makes a difference!

From Milwaukee, Jamie, his wife (Wendy) and daughter (Marissa) moved to Mount Pleasant five years ago. He was impressed with the village and specifically his subdivision, Deer Creek Estates. He loved the social and familial vibe. So, even with his job still in Milwaukee – Manager of Information Technology at American Appraisal Associates – they packed up and ventured south to our neck of the woods.

Jamie's weekends are not filled with relaxation. Every Saturday and Sunday, he wakes at 4:00 am (FOUR a.m. - just hearing that makes my eyes heavy) to prepare breakfast for HALO. For up to 60 people, he ladles up his culinary skills to prepare egg casseroles and other breakfast treats. He rarely knows ahead of time what the day's concoction since they rely on donated supplies (so keep 'em coming). But at the end of the day, bellies are full and Karma is happy.

When not working at his full time job or volunteering for HALO, Jamie also spends time as a Disaster Action Team Leader for The American Red Cross. In this position, his responsibilities are extraordinary. From responding to fires & floods to meeting the needs of victims to mentoring other Red Cross members, he clearly lives for the challenges this position commands.

“I am a person who is very calm under pressure and can lead a group of response individuals while at the same time, able to work directly with the affected people giving them comfort and support,” Jamie shares.

“A challenge is simply an opportunity,” he said about how he deals with these high intensive emergencies. “I tend to work better under pressure, so I enjoy the challenges and welcome them. Ultimately if the challenge is solvable or not, my take away is that I can learn from it and hopefully become stronger.”

Witnessing a smile or a sign of relief is more than sufficient to fill Jamie with a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment and let him know it is all worth it.

When Jamie is not out saving the world (not being facetious, people like him truly ARE saving the world) he is spending time with his family. His 16-year-old daughter just started driving. A nail biting, panic attack inducing moment for all parents does not leave him as calm as he is during a natural disaster. While he has full trust in her and her abilities, like most of us, it is the other drivers he worries about.

“My interest and hobbies truly are my volunteer work. Helping and giving to society, sometimes over my own needs and desires, are my callings in life," he said. "If I could, I would devote 100% of my time to volunteer work.”

To inquire about how you can help support the American Red Cross and/or HALO, please visit their websites. www.redcross.org; www.haloinc.org