MULLENS, W.Va. – A baking and catering entrepreneur turned educator has also spent more than half her life helping the less fortunate in Wyoming County. It’s what’s led Jason Jennings to nominate fellow church member, Donna Wikel as a WVVA Hometown Hero, “…I felt like she goes above and beyond what a lot of other people would do,” Jennings said.
Wikel says she’s been motivated by her faith to do volunteer through her church, Mullens United Methodist, “…My love of God causes me to serve others. I don’t think we can overlook the needs of others if we truly love God. I want to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and take care of as many people as I can,” Wikel said with a smile.
The 72-year-old Mullens native says she married her high school sweetheart, Michael right after graduating high school in 1972. After starting their family, Wikel started a cake baking & catering business, all while continuing her volunteer work in church, and raising her children. Along the way Wikel was earning the reputation as a community mom.
She says gratitude has poured in over the years from the young people whose lives she touched as they grew up in Mullens, “…I do love seeing the children come back as adults and they have children, and they come back and thank me for all the things that I did for them when they were young. And also I taught high school English and those students have graduated and moved on and got jobs and I love to hear from them too,” said Wikel, beaming with pride.
To hear more about how Wikel made the transition from entrepreneur and homemaker to a Masters Degree level educator, click the video link.
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