Volunteer Spotlight: Jill Risser – A Heart for Community and Cornwall Manor
When you walk into the Treasure Trove, you’ll often find Jill Risser greeting customers with a smile and helping them discover hidden gems. Jill has been a volunteer at the Treasure Trove since 2019, and today she serves as a Day Manager—a role she loves because it allows her to meet new people, make friends, and share in the joy of finding “just the right treasure.” For Jill, volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about being part of something meaningful.
Jill’s roots run deep in South Lebanon. A lifelong member of Cornwall United Methodist Church, she has spent her life surrounded by family, faith and farming. Her parents owned a 13-acre farm and raised chickens. Later on, they owned Starner’s Grocery Store. Jill grew up learning the value of hard work and community. Today, four generations of her family continue that tradition. Jill lives on land her father purchased in 1965, while her son resides on the original farm. Together, they keep the land productive with dairy cows, pigs and crops like corn, hay and soybeans. Farming is truly a family affair—and a source of pride. Her granddaughter Jesslyn recently earned the title of Pennsylvania Dairy Princess, traveling across the state to promote the dairy industry. In fact, Jesslyn visited Cornwall Manor’s Corson Hall in August, sharing her passion for agriculture with residents.
Jill’s connection to Cornwall Manor is personal. Her mother was a resident in the Health Center, and Jill recalls the compassionate care and dedication of the staff. “They were wonderful,” she says. After her mother’s passing, Jill donated all of her belongings to the Treasure Trove—a gesture that speaks to her generous spirit and belief in supporting Cornwall Manor.
Before retiring nine years ago, Jill worked for Good Samaritan Hospital as well as an insurance agent in Harrisburg. Retirement hasn’t slowed her down. In addition to her work at the Treasure Trove, Jill volunteers extensively throughout the community. For more than 40 years, she has helped at the Lebanon Area Fair, serving ham and chicken BBQ dinners. Through her church, she assists with the noon meal at Lebanon County Christian Ministries, serves as liaison for Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts, and helps teach Bible lessons to third and fourth graders through Bible2School. She also pitches in at the Annual Peach Festival and volunteers during municipal and primary elections. Her past volunteer work even included traveling to Baltimore to help with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
When Jill isn’t volunteering, she enjoys life’s simple pleasures—spending time with her family of two children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson; playing bingo, reading mysteries, canning, and relaxing at the beach in Ocean City, NJ. She’s a fan of classic TV shows like Matlock, NCIS and Big Bang Theory and loves game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. And if you ask her about shoes, she’ll tell you they’re her favorite!
Jill says the Treasure Trove is “the best—and such an asset to Cornwall Manor.” We couldn’t agree more. Her warmth, energy, and dedication make her an invaluable part of our community. Thank you, Jill, for all you do to make Cornwall Manor—and the world—a better place.
