Mary Wulfeck Yaney,
A Hero In Our Midst

For Mary Wulfeck Yaney, volunteering is more than just a hobby. Over the past fifty years, she has dedicated her life to improving the lives of children around the world. Yaney is widely known throughout her community as an honest, passionate, and devoted champion for youth.

Yaney, a retired teacher, has served a wide array of Ohio youth organizations. A former president and current board member of Camp Fire USA, she also mentors at Boy Scouts of America, tutors Rwandan refuges, teaches Native American history at a local archeological site, and leads Sunday school lessons at her church, to mention merely a few.

Inspired by her mother's commitment to community service, Mary realized early in life that she had a true passion for helping others. "I have been a part of Camp Fire since I was seven years old," Yaney said. Since that time, she has made Camp Fire part of her family's tradition. Now, more than sixty years later, Yaney's granddaughter commutes more than two hundred miles to participate in the Camp Fire group Yaney leads.

Though Yaney left the teaching profession years ago, she brings her inspirational flare for education to over twenty Ohio volunteer organizations. She teaches local students about world culture, local history, religion, and the importance of community values. With creative lessons and hands-on activities, Yaney ensures that the kids enjoy learning. She makes up songs over lunch or "she teaches kids to hula dance," said Keith Harrison, CEO Camp Fire USA: Greater Dayton Council. "She puts on a grass skirt, and they make beats while they all dance the hula."

Despite Yaney's immeasurable contribution, she insists that she gets more than she gives. "I think the kids teach you more than you teach them," she said. "I just love it. Whenever the kids need something… I'm ready to go."

"I think all other Dayton organizations feel the same way I do about her," said Harrison. "You can depend on her for anything… She's the volunteer who, anything you ask her to do, she'll do it." And, through the decades, Yaney's devotion has only grown. "The other day," Harrison recounted," she says ‘my age must be telling on me. It's harder to do things now.' But I said, ‘You're a die hard. You'll never give up.' It's what she loves. She's unbelievable."

Even after hearing her community's high praise and deep appreciation, Yaney refuses to see herself as a hero. "I don't have a cape or a fancy outfit to wear so I guess I'm not a real hero. I just do what I love, which is to work with children."