Thank a volunteer -- our community would be very different without them
National Volunteer Week will be celebrated during the week of April 27 to May 3. Our Southern Humboldt community is rich in the depth and variety of volunteer energy and commitment. We want to recognize and honor all volunteers.
Many District employees are actively involved in activities with the schools, sports, community projects and organizations -- and occasionally improve the setting in the clinic by volunteering to paint or decorate the examination rooms. And thank you to each volunteer that comes to visit and help with activities in the Skilled Nursing Facility.
From the oldest to youngest, volunteers offer their gifts of skill, experience, time and effort to others. Southern Humboldt has more non-profit, public-benefit organizations and service clubs per capita than most other communities. We all benefit from the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who serve on boards of directors, who meet monthly to guide the community services like sewer and water, who serve as coaches, volunteer firefighters, Meals on Wheels drivers, food bank workers, respite caregivers, Mateel meal cooks and servers, community center leaders,
The opportunities for addressing our community’s needs are endless. Volunteers provide significant community hands-on services like the fire departments and community clean-up and park development. They also provide leadership in the infrastructure on boards of directors that oversee the community service districts for sewer and water, the school district, the community healthcare district, the rural health clinic, and business activities. Volunteers lead all of the activities that are organized for our youth from Scouts, 4-H, PTA and sports team leaders to the groups that are focusing on special projects like a skate park, teen center, and Community Park. The Soroptomists, Rotary, Kiwanis, Civic Club, veterans groups, Chamber of Commerce and several sororities are a wonderful and constant presence when community needs are identified. Other civic groups quietly offer their resources of space and leadership like Hospice, the senior center, and churches to meet community needs.
Through volunteer activities, the generation gap is bridged and communication develops between people of different walks of life. When adults volunteer in our schools, recreation and sports programs, children have positive role models. As students get involved in volunteer service, adults see the value of young peoples’ contributions in meeting our communities needs, creating positive change and building a stronger sense of community. RSVP and the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods (VCOR) provide a volunteer referral service for volunteers. The Resource Center, located at 470 Maple Lane, Garberville (next to Hospice), is acting as the local contact for the VCOR. To contact them, call 923-2275.
Being a volunteer means we must be responsible, reliable, respectful, and courteous. Hosting a volunteer means teaching, training, and supporting someone who may need to learn how to be most helpful. Finding the right volunteer job with the right organization ends up in a “good fit” and satisfaction for both the individual who is giving and the recipient of services.
When you have time or talent to give, contact your favorite local organization, or the Resource Center (923-2275). Your time, skills and enthusiasm will help improve our community and you will feel a satisfaction unlike any other. Take a moment to thank the volunteers you know!
Font Resize