dbachman@observer-reporter.com

Randy Hino and his wife, Lori, for years have donated to various charities both locally and through their church.

Even though it did his heart good, Hino wasn't satisfied with making mere monetary contributions. He always wanted to volunteer on the front line.

So, after admittedly procrastinating for nearly 10 years, Hino started to volunteer every Monday in the kitchen at the Washington City Mission.

And after just seven weeks, the experience has already exceeded his expectations.

"When they thank me when I leave, I really am thanking them. They're giving me the opportunity to serve," Hino said. "For years, my wife and I have sent money. We do a lot of charities. We do it from the heart. We don't do it for a pat on the back."

Since the couple reside in McMurray, Hino said they like to do what they can for those in need in Washington County.

"Everybody's worried about the entire world. We are, too," he said, "but we try not to neglect own community."

As a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Allegheny County for more than 40 years, Hino said he felt it was time to expand his charitable work beyond the church, and for him, the City Mission seemed like a logical choice.

"For some reason it just felt like my calling, and we're in Washington County," Hino said. "They're always looking for volunteers. ... They're doing me a favor by letting me help them. In life, it's to serve. I always thought that was my calling."

Hino said he was raised in a "family of faith," helping his mother and father with community outreach through their church. That's why it's important to him to expose his children, Ryan, 13, and Rachel, 10, to charitable ventures as well. On Mondays when they don't have school, the youngsters accompany their dad to the mission.

"I feel very blessed I grew up with a normal childhood," Hino said. "I wanted them to see where people are serving. We're not rich, and we're not poor. I want to show them being very middle class is not a bad thing."

After a recent trip to the mission, Rachel Hino told her father it was fun. She enjoyed serving, and she also helped clean tables.

Hino said he's made several new friends, and he's gained a new appreciation of the mission's outreach. In fact, one gentleman always greets Hino with a smile and a handshake.

"Actually, I never realized the residents work there. That's who I work with," he said. "I'm in the soup kitchen, and almost everybody I work with is a resident. It's a great place. They don't just get a free room."

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