Jun
05
Add Cheer: Volunteer!
June 5th, 2008 by Jon DeHart
Volunteer. Give Back. Pitch in. Help out. Lend a hand. These are all synonymous terms. Regardless of how you refer to it, the opportunities abound, both individually and as a family, through businesses, faith-based organizations, government, nonprofits, school and youth groups, older adult groups, etc…
For quite a while now, we’ve been volunteering either as a family or individually because it serves a good purpose, it provides a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction (tell me you didn’t feel good the last time you helped somebody), and it can be a lot of fun. It’s a value I’d like to instill in Gus.
Some things we’ve been involved with: In addition to donations of food and such, we exercise the dogs (take ‘em for a walk) at our local Animal Rescue League. We’ve had many a Saturday afternoon go to the dogs. We sign in, and Gus picks the dog(s) for us to walk. I remember the Rat Terrier we walked in early spring, a real lovable little guy that was either cold or nervous or both – he was shaking quite a bit, so Gus nicknamed “Mr. Shivers.” The most memorable pooch tale was probably the amorous Eskimo dog that must have thought he was trying out for the Iditarod – he dragged me (all 200+ pounds of me!) about 25 yards – uphill - through the mud (at least I hoped it was mud). I didn’t even have to move my feet or shout “mush!” Sure, the dog got me all muddy, and in need of a chiropractic adjustment, but I’m sure he appreciated our time together, I mean he REALLY appreciated it - when he jumped up, he was so large he was able to hug my neck. We did a fleeting foxtrot right there in the field. It was like “Dancing with the Stars” meets Call of the Wild. Judging by subsequent walks, he must have told all his buddies back in the kennel what a great time he had - I think mine was voted most popular shin at the shelter. But that’s a part of what volunteering gives us – memories. Plus Gus has developed a great way with the dogs and a healthy respect for animals through this experience. How we ended up adopting a kitten out of all this, I have no idea.
We’ve also recently volunteered in our area in an effort to clean up around a local landmark. The Pagoda sits atop Mt. Penn in our county. I find it ironic that most recognizable structure in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country is a Japanese style of architecture. Anyway, the structure is in need of TLC before its 100th anniversary celebration later this year. So through my wife’s company, we joined a host of other folks who spent a day pulling weeds, painting, planting flowers and such. We met some really nice people, got to chat with the Mayor and generally had a great time. The free lunch they provided was a bonus (yes, I like bonuses, and no, it wasn’t Sushi and Shoofly pies).
I suppose Gus has seen some of the volunteer activities my wife and I have done over the years, and he’s very excited about the opportunities he has to help others and “do a good turn.” Later this year, Gus is going on a mission trip with his church youth group to Vermont to be of more service to people up there, plus he’s constantly engaged in helpful activities in our community with the Boy Scouts. I asked what he likes best about helping, expecting to hear something altruistic like “to leave this place better than I found it” or “I like to use my time and talents to be of service,” or “we’re all in this together, so we should help one another.” Nope. His response was quite simple: “It’s fun!” Quite right, my boy, quite right.
I know a lot of other parents here at Graco have done some volunteering with their families and I’m hoping to share some of their interesting stories soon as well. I would love to hear from you too! What are your thoughts or experiences of volunteering with your family? Let me know.
