Volunteering

Over the course of my adult life I have almost always been involved in volunteer work. My parents had us begin volunteering in middle school as helpers for the Special Olympics. Early on I discovered the immense benefits of helping others. Since middle school I have been a school volunteer, room parent, teacher at my church and most recently helping fulfill the responsibility of running our local track program (with Brian). There are weeks that it feels like too much; my job, being a mom and wife, a catechist and the track responsibilities.

What has occurred to me lately is that there is a small group of people in the world who are the doers. The ones who put in those extra time to help fill a need or run a program or teach a room full of eager children. It is the same faces I see over and over and over again when you ask for extra help. They’re quiet about it. They don’t brag about all the time they spend helping where no one says thank you and no one even notices. They just fill the need because they know someone has to and they feel like it is their responsibility.

I am lucky that my parents taught be the value of helping. I don’t need thanks or notice, I simply love putting my time and effort to good work. But remember that when you see the person who volunteers to teach, coach, organize or help, a thank you might just fill their spirit.