Whew, did I ever have a busy weekend!
Once a year I volunteer at a charity festival. I’m in charge of game booths – about 20 of them. Umph! If I don’t see another plush animal or fish pond novelty for the next 362 days, that will be a-okay with me.
All and all, about 400 volunteers are needed for the 3-day festival.
Look how happy these people are – who said volunteering can’t be fun and spirit-lifting!?!
The festival was fun and brought in a good sum of money for the charity! I was running around making sure all the games were running smoothly and not shut down due to malfunctions or lack of volunteers, cause time is money ya-know.
While we’re on that subject, let’s talk about the value of time and money. It seems like every week my mailbox is full of requests for donations. Red Cross, Cancer Society, Food Bank, Fire Department, Animal Shelter. The list is endless. Once I even got a request to fund a dog’s campaign for Governor. Huh?
I’ve always felt that giving my time is worth more than any amount of money. Other people feel differently – they would rather get out the checkbook. Or, do nothing.
Personally, it makes me feel super great to volunteer, particularly in a day and age when we are all incredibly crunched for time. If you’re like me, at the end of most work days all you want to do is go home, pour a glass of wine, and decompress in front of your favorite TV show.
Dinner? Laundry? Housework? Open the Mail? Yeah, Right.
Once in a while I will actually open my mail and donate money to a worthy cause. But, I’ve never found much satisfaction in writing that check or licking that envelope. Sharing by giving my time and heart (and sometimes sweat) instead of my wallet brings me much more peace and joy. What about you?
Have you ever given your time or money to a worthy cause?
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The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Renee on August 21, 2010 at 5:04 pm
When I was young I was very selfish with my time … and what little money I had from teaching. As I grow older (and wiser I hope), I see opportunities daily for people (aka me) to help others. I stuff envelops with money. I buy homeless people a lunch or lay a healthy snack bar in a strategic location where I know it will be quickly found. I’ve taken my dog to see residents at a convelescent and rehabilitation center. I’ve helped my church serve Thanksgiving dinner to those who are less fortunate in our community.
I plan to meet with the pastor of our newly found church in the near future to see what type of outreach programs we might offer the community. Yes, I always feel better contributing my time. I think the reason is how it is personalized for me and the person/people that I’m touching. It’s a double blessing. We’ve become much too distanced from others in this age of technology. I like to get back to the basics.