Skip to main content

Volunteering is a Hoot

                                                                           
Why do I volunteer? I’m 73, still have a vocation as an author. And I’m a 24/7 caregiver for my wife of 47 years. I could easily say I’ve already got a full plate and I’m too busy. Or that I’ve done my fair share. I spent a few years at Project Read, on the board of SAIL, and holding every office at my church.

               Part of my faith says that we are to serve. Doesn’t say at a certain age we can just stop when we feel like it. God intends for us to be productive. Volunteering also shows His love by actions, not by words. We know that good works don’t get you to heaven, and that’s not the reason we serve. I believe by giving back a bit of what I have learned and by what He has blessed me with, puts a smile on God’s face. What more could you ask for than having Him smile at you?

There are so many people who need a helping hand. And so few of those hands available. However, where I live in Decatur/Forsyth we are blessed with many thousands of hours every year being logged by compassionate and generous people. DOVE has over 1100* current volunteers who spend valuable time and effort. I’m humbled to be counted among them.

               But the real reason for volunteering is the absolute joy of the rewards. Meeting so many good folks who seldom get on TV. Volunteers by nature do not seek compliments or accolades. Merely connecting with someone you’ve helped is such a hoot, as we older generation would say.

               We all have a friend or two who could be outstanding volunteers. It’s part of our volunteering to recruit when we can. Think what kind of an impact we could have if we each add one more name to the volunteer list. And if your name is not there right now, think about adding it. No matter your skill level, there’s a place where you can provide just the right assistance. You’ll not regret it.

Dave Webb
RSVP Volunteer

*from the 2014 Dove Annual Report - all programs

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

You don't have to be able to Dance to do Baskets

  Growing up in the world of dance, one of my favorite things to do each year is participate in The Nutcracker Ballet. My favorite part? Giving the audience a magical Christmas experience with the perfect setting of lights, music, glittery costumes, and refined steps by ballerinas. The audience is transported to a magical land of sweets that makes even adults feel like small children in awe and wonder. Of course, that’s just what the audience sees! What they don’t see is the months and months before hand! Long rehearsals, bandage wrapped dance feet, and stage and tech crews working tirelessly so that every detail before the final show is perfected. After several years, I have started comparing the Christmas Baskets Process to that of the process for The Nutcracker Ballet. Starting months and months before, staff and volunteers work endlessly for the exhilarating distribution week to come. With that said, the magical essence of the Ballet experience cannot happen with just the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

CoC Funds Available

CoC Funds Available The Decatur/Macon County CoC announces approved Consolidated Application for the FY 2024 CoC Program Competition. Review the Approved Consolidated Application and Approved Priority Listings and all New and Referral Project Listings at the link above. For Comments or Questions about the Approved Application, email fredspannaus@gmail.com.
Post a Comment
Read more

A Woman of Dove's History

 March is Women’s History Month and during this month I want to acknowledge a woman who assisted Ray Batman in molding Dove, Inc. Not only was she a founder and volunteer, but her passion, dedication, and drive were so vital to building the stellar foundation that the organization stands on today. She may have been tiny in stature, but her presence was vast. She was eventually hired as the Program Director in 1974 and remained an active and avid supporter of Dove after retirement and up until her passing in 2014. Her “never take no for an answer” attitude assisted with building collaborations that are still matched today.  She was extremely instrumental in the organization of a multitude of community-related programs throughout the city of Decatur. This includes the Nationally Renowned Mother-to-Mother program, a programming concept that has been widely adopted across the country. Sue’s presence still shines through those of us who have come along beside her. Her commitment to...
Post a Comment
Read more