Volunteers Make All The Difference

Growing up I was encouraged to give back to the community through the various high school clubs and then my sorority in college. In fact, to graduate high school I had to put in a certain number of volunteer hours. Now, working for United Methodist Family Services, I see how essential volunteers are to keeping the boat headed in the right direction. At UMFS, volunteers really do fill the gaps where we do not have the resources (either money or people).

For example, in a few weeks we will have dozens of volunteers on our Richmond Campus planting flowers, painting walls, cleaning out rooms needed for something else and more. Volunteers come eager to work, eager to give back and eager to make a difference.

Another great example are those volunteers who come to our monthly support groups at our Alexandria office. Here, volunteers entertain the children while the foster parents attend the support group.

Any time we have a need, a volunteer is there to help. Tutoring, providing food, helping us find a flute or dresser for a child- all things that volunteers gladly do for us.

During this week of volunteer appreciation, if you are a volunteer for any organization, thank you. And if you see a volunteer at your child's school, Scout meeting, t-ball game or at a nonprofit, stop and say thank you. Without the help of volunteers giving freely of their time organizations like UMFS would not be able to do the work that we do.