Article by: James D. Coppinger | Appeared in Spark Magazine (April 2025)
After twenty-two years as a business owner, when Bill Toepper retired, he realized he wasn’t the type to sit back and disengage, so he looked for ways to stay active and give back to the community. Prior to retiring, Bill had owned a business installing accessibility ramps and he was was familiar with the work Milestone does in providing ramps for people with mobility disabilities. When he came to Milestone to volunteer, this is the program he assumed he’d be working with, however, he discovered that our greatest need for volunteers, at the time, was drivers for our Home Delivered Meals program. Bill has always enjoyed driving, so he jumped at the chance to help fill the gap. That was over a year ago and since then, he’s been a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer, often contributing three to four days a week.
“Volunteering is a blessing,” Bill says. “It’s such a fulfilling experience, and I thoroughly enjoy my time with both fellow volunteers and Meals on Wheels clients.” He adds, “We’ve been so blessed, and it takes so little time to help others.”
Bill’s professional career began right after high school at Bronson Hospital, where he worked for twenty years, primarily as a certified scrub technician. That experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for teamwork and dedication to the needs of people. Following that, Bill took a sales position with a statewide medical supply company for five years. He then ventured out to start his own business, Ameri-Ramp Company, which installed home accessibility ramps and other specialized equipment and accessibility accessories.
Bill’s life has also been shaped by his involvement in sports, both personally and through his children. Still an avid, lifelong golfer, he also played softball for thirty years. He was deeply involved in AYSO soccer and Little League as a parent and coach. Bill contributed in any way he could—from mowing baseball fields to serving as both president and vice president of Little League for nine years. He and his wife have four grown children and, soon to be, six grandchildren.
For those considering volunteering, Bill offers this advice: “Before you decide to make a commitment, just give it a try—get out and do it one time.” He believes that once someone experiences the joy of helping others, it becomes addictive in the best way possible.
Milestone Senior Services is a grantee of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. RSVP helps people find a volunteer opportunity that fits their passion. Milestone placed volunteers at their own agency and at other nonprofits throughout Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. Contact RSVP at 269-382-0515 or apply on the Volunteer page of our website.
