At North Central Academy in Mancelona, Michigan, one volunteer has become the heart of the school community, lovingly known by all as Grandma Crystal. This year, her selfless dedication and impact were recognized with the Shellie-Ann Braswell “Shine Brighter” Award, presented by Building Hope to honor extraordinary charter school volunteers. 

Leading with Love

Crystal Williams doesn’t just volunteer; she transforms lives. What began as a desire to help students at her grandchildren’s school has grown into a full-scale operation called Grandma’s Place. It is a donation-based resource hub serving not only the school, but also the surrounding communities of Gaylord, Kalkaska, and Bellaire. 

From personal care items to warm winter gear, food baskets, gas cards, and emergency supplies, Crystal fills the gaps that no one else can. “We have a great staff that works really hard to fill every need,” said Principal Jill Kettlewell. “But there’s a greater need out there, and she brings in hygiene items, clothes, food or whatever is needed. She’s been a huge blessing.” 

Her impact has changed the culture of the school. As Principal Kettlewell explained, “There’s no stigma attached to need anymore. Everyone feels comfortable asking for help and also paying it forward. Crystal has taught us all, students and staff alike, that it’s okay to show up for others.” 

Bryan Lynch, CEO of Minton Educational Management, echoed the sentiment. “What hasn’t she done? She clothes our kids, feeds our kids, and most importantly, loves our kids. She’s one in a million. We love having her at North Central Academy and working with our community.” 

A Resource and a Role Model

Food Service Director Dani expressed the love and admiration shared by the entire school staff. “She fills the need. She fills our hearts.” Whether it’s ensuring students have snow boots in winter or hot meals during a power outage, Grandma Crystal shows up. During a recent ice storm, she prepared and served chili for families at the school and even delivered meals to linemen sleeping in trucks without access to food. 

“She leads the way,” Dani continued. “When a family went through a tough time, Crystal gathered food, gas cards, and a gift to support them. Her impact goes far beyond these walls.” 

The students she serves couldn’t agree more. When asked how they would describe Grandma Crystal, they said, “kind, beautiful, amazing,” “she is the best,” “she is the best person I have ever met,” and “an inspiration.” One student reflected on how her presence has made them feel: “We're special. What really helped me was when I didn’t have a jacket for winter. She had one she could offer me, and that made me happy.” 

Fueling Her Mission

Behind the curtain of her supply closet are bins and bags of carefully sorted donations, collected from sales, community partners, and her own wallet. She re-bottles household items into small containers to make them go further. She even stores overflow donations in a trailer, making her operation essential for families. 

Despite the challenges, she remains unstoppable. “This is my third year, and I haven’t given up,” she said. “People want to volunteer, but they just can’t afford to. I was lucky to retire early, so I give my time.” 

Crystal also organizes creative community events like an adult prom and an upcoming Bridgerton-themed ball at a donated venue to raise funds for Grandma’s Place. “Everything is donation-based,” she said. “It takes a lot of work, but it’s worth it.” 

A Gift to Keep Giving

When she learned she had won the Shine Brighter Award, Crystal was speechless. “I bawled,” she admitted. “I don’t do this expecting anything in return.” She shared that she hoped to use the $5,000 prize money to purchase a commercial refrigerator to help further her mission and store more perishable food items for the families she serves. 

When School Food and Wellness Group heard this, we knew we wanted to help even more. Inspired by her generosity and commitment, we partnered with Boelter to gift Crystal a brand-new commercial refrigerator, allowing her to keep the full $5,000 prize to use for herself. With such an incredible story and such a compassionate leader at the helm, we are honored to give back to someone who gives so much to others.

Her Light Keeps Shining

Crystal’s story is one of grit, generosity, and love in action. As Principal Kettlewell put it best: “Thank you for taking on something nobody in their right mind would want to do. You’re a good example for our students, putting actions over words and service over self.” 

From sorting donations to delivering hope, Grandma Crystal is proof that one person can light up an entire school community and inspire the next generation to do the same. 

Thank you to Building Hope for introducing us to Crystal, to North Central Academy, and to Boelter for partnering with us to give back to such an incredible cause.