Mark your calendars! Next week (April 27 – May 3) is National Volunteer Week. In honor of the upcoming event, BigTent would like to recognize some of the devoted volunteers from the great groups we support. Here are a few of their reasons for giving back:
Anita Owens, Vice-President of Anne Arundel County Council of PTAs. “I wanted to be involved in my children’s schools. The people I meet and the work I do for all children are what keep me going, even when I want to quit. There are children in our schools that have no one to speak for them, and that is the job of the PTA — to speak for all children, not just your own.”
Jamie Heston, Co-Director of F.U.N. Mothers’ Club. “After I had my second child, I got eight meals delivered through our in a pinch program. I felt I had to give back for that, so I started delivering meals to other moms. I got such a good feeling from helping others the way I was helped. I continued to take on more and more volunteer roles in the club, as I suddenly felt this huge responsibility to let other moms know how great the club is, what resources we have, and how it gave me a great social life for me and my kids.”
Steve Teffenhardt, Vice-President of Ohio State University Aviation Alumni Society. “I originally got involved because at an early age, I figured out that you don’t get until you give first. I saw a professional fraternity as my first chance to make a difference, get to know people, to network, and to build something that I would be proud to be a part of.”
Kristen Geary, Membership Chair of Double Joy Mothers of Multiples. “I loved coming to club meetings and learning the answers to many questions that a new mom of twins might not necessarily know to ask. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and understanding. I just wanted to be part of a great group of ladies who helped me realize what a blessing I’ve received by having two babies at once.”
What inspires you to volunteer? For more information on National Volunteer Week, visit the website for the nation’s two largest volunteer networks, the Points of Light Foundation and the Hands on Network. You can also check out 1-800-volunteer.org for opportunities in your own backyard.
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