Earl Salmonson

Earl is an active member of St. Anthony Parish and of the Catholic Community in Missoula. For a number of years, Earl, along with Ann Moriarty at St. Francis Xavier Church, has spearheaded the Helping Hands Ministry.

Twice each year, Earl organizes volunteers to assist the handicapped and elderly in Missoula who need help in the fall and spring. Earl solicits information from folks who need help with odd jobs such as painting, yard work or minor repairs. He then helps form teams of volunteers to provide the help, time and talent to those in need. The program has been a huge success over the years. Volunteers usually join together for fellowship and a meal at the end of the long days of hard work.

A regular volunteer at the Poverello Center, Earl exhibits his strength, kindness and generosity there as he does everywhere he goes. He has been a financial contributor to the center for years. However, he does not only support financially; Earl also donates food and time. Every fifth Sunday, St. Anthony Parish serves the main meal at the Poverello Center and has done so more often in the past. Earl assists in serving and adding a smile to the faces of those in need in the center.

In addition, Earl has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Earl mobilizes volunteer forces to assist the Missoula chapter of Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing for those in need. Earl believes he should share with others since he has been blessed so much during his life.