80-year-old to be honored on state Assembly floor for delivering donated furniture around Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For some, religion is about acts of service. Lloyd TerMaat, a Cedar Grove resident, has spent four decades serving Milwaukee with help from his friends and fellow churchgoers.

His act of service began with just a couple of mattresses.

"It’s just something we do," TerMaat said. "Set them by the curb, by the tree, and within 24 hours they were usually gone.”

40 years later, TerMaat and his team are out three times a week.

"Being 80 years old, I got a lot more miles behind me than ahead of me," he said. 

TerMaat says faith and service keeps his team in shape because their call requires some elbow grease.

“People just hear about our mission and donate furniture," he said. 

They’re delivering furniture and a second chance. Jessica Mcthune is on the receiving end of TerMaat's generosity.

"I just need help and I want to reach out," said Mcthune. "He said whatever he can get off that list that I text, they got.”

After leaving a shelter, she’s got a place to call her own.

“I’m just thankful and grateful. I’m happy," said Mcthune.

His work hasn't gone unnoticed. On Jan. 25, in Madison, the Wisconsin state Assembly will recognize TerMaat as a hometown hero.

“If it wouldn’t be for my 10-12 guys that go along with me every week, I would not have, we would not have, our church would not have a mission," he said. 

An honor TerMaat says wouldn't be possible without his faith.