Beech Tree News Network

Volunteers give their time and energy – and sometimes money – for a worthy cause. Volunteers are compassionate and promote quality in life. In our region, we are blessed with many who volunteer on a regular basis.
People have different interests even in volunteerism. So, I asked friends and family, “What’s the most rewarding experience(s) you’ve had doing volunteer work?” Their responses are below:
•    The work I do with the band boosters is what I consider most rewarding. I chaperone band trips, help with fund raising, work at home contests, etc. No one is paying me to be there; I do it for my children and for all the children in the band.
•    The one thing that stands out is helping to prepare and serve a Thanksgiving meal at the mission.
•    Teaching a Sunday school class and the blessings, peace, and joy that brings!
•    Helping at church, whether it be taking food to someone sick or helping with a skit or play. Helping our church family is very rewarding.
•    As my friend has ALS, I spent the day cleaning and straightening her house. She has a daughter, but I did it like my friend would have. And, I could feel her appreciation; we both knew I gave freely out of love, and she received freely out of love. There was no pretense because we have lived the same life experiences. So, bottom line, I gave her the perfect gift that cost me nothing but my time which is the greatest gift: giving of yourself – the best feeling ever.
•    My most rewarding volunteer experiences have been organizing benefits for families facing critical health problems. Also, buying and collecting items at Christmas for a needy family was very rewarding.
•    Being a volunteer fireman.
•    Working at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club the summer before college and teaching Bible lessons at the Mission on Tuesday nights with my sister were rewarding experiences.
•    Taking groceries to a disabled lady.
•    The most rewarding volunteer work I have ever experienced was spending many of my adolescent years volunteering with special needs children and adults in the Ohio County Equestrian Unit.
Since volunteers give of themselves, receiving no financial gain, we should acknowledge their generosity. One popular time to recognize volunteers is during National Volunteer Week (April 6-12, 2014). If you know someone who volunteers, please thank that person. He or she makes a difference. If you would like to volunteer, now is a good time to get started.