Volunteering opportunities

I’ve addressed this topic previously.

It’s been a while, though, since I talked about it and I really think it’s one that’s overlooked.

Too many people don’t realize how important volunteerism is to our communities.

Where would cities and towns be without the assistance people provide without being paid for their service?

There are a number of organizations serving Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties that rely on volunteers. Some of these are non-profits like The Salvation Army, the Red Cross, Project Safe, United Way.

Others are civic clubs, like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions clubs. Many communities, Meeker, Chandler, Stroud, McLoud and others have Chambers of Commerce that rely heavily on volunteers and couldn’t exist without them.

The Salvation Army, Red Cross and Project Safe are just some examples of nonprofits based in Shawnee but serve all of Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties. Many citizens of cities and towns in these two counties may not realize that.

I, for one, wasn’t aware until I was asked to serve on the board of Project Safe many years ago, which I did for a while, and also on the board of the Salvation Army, which I still do. I am a former president of both of those.

I’m also in the Shawnee Rotary Club, a former president of it, and on the board again.

I served on and off of what was the Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce board, and was chairman of it.

The reason I point these out is to make people more aware of the opportunities available to become involved in their communities by volunteering.

There are numerous other organizations out there people can join and be of service.

Not only have I have found it to be an honor and a privilege, but also it’s been gratifying.

Because of this job, I have a chance to see first hand what volunteerism does in smaller communities.

Like the Blackberry Festival each summer in McLoud.

It would be impossible to have that event without the number of volunteers who step up and make it happen.

McLoud holds a tree lighting and Christmas parade each December.

In Meeker, the July 4 celebration, annual rodeo and Christmas parade rely on the many volunteers each year.

The Kolache Festival Prague holds annually in May, the Christmas Parade in Chandler.

All of these are just a few of the events held in smaller communities in these two counties and they depend and require the commitment from people who care enough to volunteer and make them possible.

Volunteers are always needed in so many of these non-profits and civic type organizations.

I really do encourage you to become more involved in your communities. You’ll be surprised to see how gratifying and worthwhile it can be.