Why Am I A Volunteer?

I am often times asked why I volunteer so much of my spare time to be a volunteer. I think that question can best be answered by telling a little bit about my family and the influence that they have had on my life. As a small child I can remember going into my grandparent's basement and seeing a large board with big ribbons all over it. It belonged to my grandfather and the Boy Scout troop that he served as scoutmaster of for many years. It was made up of awards won and other things that they had accumulated over the years. This successful man, an IRS revenue and intelligence agent and after retirement from the IRS, a successful accountant made time to make a difference in the lives of young men, even though he had two daughters and no sons. My dad and one of my uncles were both in his scout troop, and when Papa Smith passed away a few years ago, who else would be the pall bearers than those young men, who were now all grown up, showing respect for someone that taught them so much.

While my grandfather was busy with his scout troop, my grandmother worked with the girl scouts, of which my mom and aunt were both involved. Both my grandmother and grandfather were involved with the Fayette County Senior Citizens, and my brother and I got our start volunteering by singing at functions and lunches for the senior citizens in the area while Mama Smith played the piano. Speaking of the piano, my grandmother also played the piano in church for YEARS, and she and my grandfather also served in many other positions in the church as well including Sunday school teachers, Sunday school superintendent, clerk, and other positions.

One of my favorite things that Papa Smith was involved in was the Mary Draper Ingles Trail Club. They helped clear many of the trails that people use all of the time in what is now the New River Gorge National River. I can remember hiking with Papa and taking part in several events where people dressed in period clothing to tell about Mary Draper Ingles escape from Indian captivity and long trip home along the New River Gorge.

In addition to all of this, Papa also volunteered with a local crisis hotline and the Civitans. He was also a WW II veteran.

My parents also followed in this legacy of volunteering. They have held numerous positions in church including music director, Sunday School superintendent, secretary, and Sunday School teachers. They were also very involved with Oak Hill High School Band Boosters and Mtn View Christian School concession stands when my brother and I were in school. Their other volunteer efforts have included helping with the Oak Leaf Festival pageants, the Oak Hill Business and Professionals Association, and anything that my brother and I have "volunteered them for" in the past few years.

So you ask why I volunteer? It is because that is how I was raised, and that is what I know helps people build better futures for themselves and aid my community in growth. "If not you, then who?" If you aren't willing to take a step to volunteer and help others, then who will? It is our responsibility to help other people and do our part to make the world a better place by setting an example of volunteerism and helping others to reach their full potential! That is why I volunteer! Now, I challenge you to take a few minutes of your time to do the same! It doesn't take long, and it will leave you feeling so fulfilled just because you helped someone else!