Eric Reece
I used to visit a homebound member who had a beautiful yard. Her and her late husband had farmed their place for many years.
In the backyard was a beautiful tree much younger than the stately trees towering the backyard. I asked her about the tree and she told me it was a “volunteer tree.”
I had not heard that expression before. A volunteer tree is one that comes up all by itself. Unexpectedly a seed was dropped in the perfect place and a tree grew tall, straight and beautiful.
April is National Volunteer Month in the United States. It is a time to recognize those who give their time and energy to help others in the community. Many volunteer in our community through rescue squads, faith communities, helping agencies and schools. Without volunteers communities would be at a loss and many services would go unanswered.
Volunteers give their time and expertise to help people in the community. From helping people with basic needs to helping people navigate the complex situations we find ourselves in today, volunteers make a world of difference.
The late humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer said, “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
Volunteering, service and compassion go hand-in-hand.
I used to volunteer for Communities in Schools as a tutor in middle school. Every time, I ended up tutoring Algebra: not one of my strong subjects. After five years of tutoring 7th-grade Algebra, I got the hang of it.
Today, one priority is to be a reading buddy to elementary students. Reading to a student and having them read to you achieves life-long results that we cannot measure.
A few Graham County organizations to volunteer with are: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Graham County; Church Mouse Ministries; Graham Cancer Support Group; Graham County Public Schools; Five Point Center; Guardian ad Litem; and children and youth sports.
There are other local helping agencies to give you time and talents.
Each organization has their requirements for volunteers. But the main request is to offer your time and skills to help. If you can give an hour or two a week – or even each month – it is invaluable. I am one who believes to turn things around in any situation you need volunteers bringing their passion to make a difference in the world. Consider volunteering in the community.
Volunteering is what will make the difference in conquering the problems we face today.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.