Giving of your time

I've been volunteering and helping charities since I was in grade school and did my first March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon. I collected pledges from my family and since they thought I wouldn't walk too far, I had pretty good pledges for each mile I walked. I was doing great, but then after checking in at the 10 miles mark, my dad said that was enough and we drove to the last checkpoint. You see, he and many others had pledge a dollar a mile. In 1978, that added up to a decent amount of money. In following years I completed the entire 20 mile route.

The walk started a lifetime of giving back to the community by giving of my time. Some of the activities include, walking dogs at the SPCA, assist with events and auctions for a Boys and Girls Club, helping out at the library by shelving books and assisting with the Summer Reading program, volunteered as a cashier at The Steinbeck House gift shop, and helping with activities at an assisted living facility.

Volunteering also opened a career door when I signed up with AmeriCorps. Technically, you are a volunteer when you participate with AmeriCorps, so you receive a stipend instead of a paycheck. My group was comprised of members who specifically were volunteer coordinators at various non-profits and schools in the Monterey area. We had training sessions, and learned volunteer management skills which we would use to help build the volunteer programs at our sites. My site was the National Steinbeck Center, where I continued to work after I completed my 2 year term with AmeriCorps. I had a fun time working the volunteers at the Center. I left to move to Roseville in 2016, but I still miss my volunteers. I get to visit with them when I'm in town.

In my current job, I've been asked to oversee the Volunteer Appreciation Night event because of my prior experience, and because we are a little short handed right now. I jumped right in and found it easier to put together. I guess I learned a thing or two over the years.

I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands right now, but I still try to help when I can by donating blood and participating at one day events through BloodSource.

There are so many opportunities to volunteer. Many people say they have no time, but there are things people can do from home such as help with a newsletter or making check in phone calls (check on the elderly through some conversation). A person can volunteer once a month or at an annual event. Find something you enjoy doing and help out an organization by giving of your time. Volunteer!