Thanks and Giving #JLMonmouthCounty

Tis’ the season to show our gratitude for each other, what we do and the many blessings we have.

Early in November we have the opportunity to participate in Election Day. This simple act shows the world that we are a nation of strong, free people. It is a teachable moment for all that we look to our bright future by having our voices heard. It is an opportunity to discuss that not everyone wins, and to thank those who give their time and energy to serve us.

Mid November we celebrate Veteran’s Day. We honor and thank Veterans through services, parades and educating youth on the importance of Service to our Nation; without them there would be no Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Children and the world have the opportunity to understand that without the sacrifices of Veterans and their families we would not have the daily freedom we sometimes take for granted.

At the end of November, we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. We reflect on our blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year. We gather together to watch parades and football games and discuss our gratitude. It is not only a time of reflective thanks, but also a time for giving back to those who are less fortunate.

All of these examples have something in common. Volunteers. Volunteers support their candidates on Election Day. Volunteers work the polling places and give the children “I voted” stickers. Volunteers help organize thousands of services to honor Veterans. Volunteers come together to create a Thanksgiving Day parade, collect food, and serve others in homeless shelters. Volunteers are the backbone of November.

I am proud to be part of The Junior League of Monmouth County; an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our full community calendar provides multiple entry points to meet the needs of the volunteer, while fulfilling our mission and vision of empowering young girls to become confident women.

November is a special time for the JLMC. We continue a 20+ year tradition of preparing and serving a Thanksgiving meal at Trinity Church in Asbury Park. League friends and family, young and old gathered this past weekend at JLMC HQ to create the centerpieces that will be on display at the feast.

The Junior League of Monmouth County also honors volunteers. This November for the first time, the JLMC held the Women Making a Difference Luncheon where it presented one woman volunteer with the JLMC Community Volunteer Award. The Community Volunteer Award was designed to recognize the many valuable contributions being made by women volunteers in our local community. Additionally, the award is intended to increase awareness of the importance of volunteering. The award recognizes volunteers who give assistance to the community and receive no remuneration for their efforts. There were over 20 nominees, each honored by the JLMC and the Freeholders of Monmouth County. The winner, Amy DiFilippo, from Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County received a gift and a $1,000 grant from the JLMC was given to the organization.

Giving thanks by giving back to volunteers, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the season of Thanks and Giving.

Kelly Boyer

Education and Training Chair

JLMC

2014-2015