Feeling the Rewards of Volunteering

Somebody asked, “Why do people volunteer?” and I flashed back on a memory of a friend of mine who campaigned with everyone she met. “Volunteer,” she’d say. “It’s good for you!” She even went so far as to tie a volunteer project into her birthday celebration, and in those instances, she would bring her friends together, reluctant ones, too, to clean up the trash by the river or a park or boulevard. Kay believes that as humans we each are called to help each other.

In talking about this recently ,another person answered the question like this:

“When I moved from Ohio to Phoenix, I was 21 years old. My first best friend was 75 years old. I’ve always been drawn to seasoned citizens, I guess. I worked for a company for 35 years that supported and encouraged volunteerism. We were expected to volunteer and I realize now that it has shaped the way I view helping others. While I was working full-time, I thought, ‘Now, why would anybody volunteer their time without getting paid? Who has time for that?’ We made time because it was expected of us, but now I see how helping others really adds value to your own life. Now that I’m retired, I have the time and energy to put into helping others and People Who Care has afforded me this opportunity. I see the impact we have on folks that are homebound. Can you imagine not being able to drive and do what you want when you want? You can’t even jump in the car and have lunch or drive though a drive-thru for a burger. I have a neighbor that I take weekly to the post office to get her mail. We go to lunch and have really great conversations. I recently took my beloved neighbor to get a mammogram and ultrasound. I was there when the doctor came in and told my neighbor that she has breast cancer at 84 years old. I was the only one there with her in the room. I often wonder how you would feel getting that kind of news with nobody around to be with you at that critical moment. That’s the significance of what we do. Sometimes the need in this world seems overwhelming, and I think, ‘I can’t save the world.’ But then I remember the quote, ‘Helping one person might not save the world but it could change the world for one person.’ That keeps me doing whatever I can do to help others. I’m just thankful that I get to be there for her and help her through the hard months ahead. I think I actually get more out of driving my neighbors to the store or to their appointments than they do. There is so much wisdom and insight I gain from making friends with my neighbors. They are grateful and so am I. I am totally blessed,” said Pam. QCBN

By Cj Meldahl

To find out more or to volunteer for People Who Care, visit www.peoplewhocareaz.com.

Cj Meldahl is the executive director of People Who Care. People Who Care continues its 30-year mission of providing essential transportation and non-medical assistance to adults in the Quad Cities who are unable to drive because of age, vision or disability issues. Volunteers can change lives, improve access to health care, reduce isolation, and form meaningful relationships with neighbors in our community. Our assistance enables people to stay independent in their own homes. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and donors, we’re able to provide these services for free.