When Giving is Rooted in Kindness: Meet Barb and El

For Barb and El Schefers, both in their mid-eighties, giving back has never needed deliberation. It’s simply the right thing to do—an act of kindness that they are deeply familiar with.

Long before they married and built a life together, Barb and El experienced moments in their childhood when the generosity of others left a lasting impression. Both remember times when their families received support during challenging seasons. These small acts of kindness, along with Barb’s faith community, helped shape their understanding of what it means to love their neighbors.

Together, Barb and El were intentional about teaching their children to cherish that same message. Allowances always came with an invitation to set aside something for others. And, importantly, Barb and El lived by example.

El spent his 40-year career as an insurance agent with State Farm. Its company charity program gave him the opportunity to volunteer with and make an annual donation to a non-profit of his choice. For El, that charity was the Salvation Army, which he has continued supporting in his retirement. To date, he has volunteered over 600 hours and helped raise nearly $1 million through bell-ringing and additional fundraising. Barb and El also spent two years as foster parents in a group home where they supported eight vulnerable teenage girls.

“We still keep in touch with those kids,” said El, “I think that’s one of the things that we did do some good for in this world.

Barb and El’s commitment to giving back is palpable. It should come as no surprise that their compassion for those in need extends around the world—and to those served by CMMB.

“The scriptures say, go into the world…you do that,” said Barb.

“I like that CMMB provides basic medical care in places where people would never otherwise receive it,” added El. “We have confidence that you do a good job making the most of the resources you receive.”

Thank you, Barb and El. Your lives reflect a generosity rooted in faith, shaped by experience, and shared with grace.