Whenever I meet someone who feels alone and out of the scene, I suggest to them,  “become a volunteer.”  It is one of the best things a person can do.   From the time I was a child, I saw my parents volunteer.  Mom was busy baking cakes for School Festivals and sales.  My dad was washing windows for an elderly couple.  They’d help bring donations to family events and it seemed like the natural thing to do.  It really is the natural and easiest way to love yourself and other people.

Volunteering can take on many forms.   We all know about the soup kitchens, the local Pads, and the need at Food Pantries.  I have done them all and each time was more fulfilling than giving.   One can’t more blessed than to share food with another person.  Join in November with our Community Harvest to collect and sort food for the local Food Pantry.  It is a wonderful morning!  If you are reading this and in another part of the country, your own neighborhood can use your help.   Check with the schools, libraries, churches, hospital auxiliaries, and nursing homes.   People are needed to run Bingo, help with exercising, and just plain old visiting.   You will see so many people you know who also want to contribute their time, talent, and good will.

Packaging meals for the missions with friends was great fun.   My daughter had done that in her neighborhood.  Her children actually were able to experience the taste of the food at that time too. It isn’t that all missionary work is outside our cities.   It is important that there are many causes and reasons for us to connect with each other on a daily basis.   Sometimes the kindest thing to do for another is to be available to give them a ride to the grocery story.

Preparing for St. Baldricks in the Spring helps the children fighting cancer.  Our local Crystal Lake South High School Key Club helps to collect money for this event.   The youth and business owners around the country are sponsored and the money helps with Cancer research.  In McHenry, Illinois the churches and businesses join in with the High School Students and raise enormous amount of money.   They also enjoy the working together to accomplish a great goal. 

Collecting for The Eliminate Project that unites with UNICEF  is still ongoing. It is designed to  eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the earth. Delight in Living, Ltd. will pass on all donations and welcome any new Kiwanis help.

Little Library which now is stretching over our Crystal Lake area is an effort of Crystal Lake Kiwanis to encourage reading.  All book donations are welcome here in my office.  Books passed along open the opportunity for people to engage in a wonderful habit of reading.

Operation Click encourages safe driving and the use of seatbelts. They always welcome volunteers.  Join with the School District 155, area car dealers, and the Parochial High Schools to participate.  Celebrate with the High Schools as their students learn safe driving habits and being accountable to the rules of the road.

I once served for over 10 years with the Sherman Auxiliary from Elgin, IL to help with their Resale Shop. There we would help the homeless, those out of jail, the elderly, and we all would purchase the things we needed.   What a wonderful endeavor that was for the 55 volunteers, as well as, the people that were patrons.  Home of the Sparrow and other Hospital Auxiliaries welcome people to help.img_1395

So if you haven’t tried something recently in the realm of volunteering, please try it.  You’ll be so engaged and time flies so quickly when you are doing it!  You’ll meet the nicest people ever. The blessings just keep flowing.  You will see Mini Miracles popping up all around you!  

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