30th Annual National Volunteer Week
a Time to Salute Those Who Help
the United Way and its Member Agencies
More than 1,700 people contribute time and talents
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2003
So you can regularly find Graham staffing the registration desk in the center's dining room around 11:00 a.m. With a smile she greets those who stop by to eat lunch and checks them in. When her right wrist mends from a recent injury, she'll get back to making crafts in her apartment upstairs. A lot of love and affection go into her handiwork, which is sold in the center's gift shop to benefit the organization's operating fund.
Graham is 94 years old, yet she finds a way to lend a helping hand.
Graham has been answering the call to serve at the center for more than 30 years. She says she likes to help people. And there's no doubt the people she helps appreciate her assistance too.
"I really need her sitting there so I don't have to worry about the desk," says a busy Brenda Hudson, Memorial Meals Site Manager, who coordinates and serves lunch when it is delivered to the Civic Center.
Hudson can't always tend to the clerical duties herself, but can always count on Graham, whose dedication is typical of the more than 1,700 people who volunteer for the United Way of Union County and its 23 Member Agencies. That's an amazing number of residents contributing their time and talent on a regular basis to serve their community. United Way Member Agencies benefit from more than 20,000 hours of community service each year and a conservative estimate of $331,272 in hourly wages they don't have to pay, allowing them to provide necessary services to those in need.
This week marks the 30th year since President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing National Volunteer Week in 1974 to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. Since then, thousands of people have worked to make Union County a better place to live, work, and play.
People like John "Turk" Michel, the new Campaign Chair for the United Way of Union County. As the Assistant Manager of Manufacturing New Model Development at Honda of America's Marysville Motorcycle Plant, Michel could easily allow his career to completely absorb him. But he makes time for the people and causes important to him, including his wife and three children. In addition to his time-consuming United Way duties, Michel is deeply involved in youth sports activities, serving as President of the Marysville Junior Football Association and the co-President of the North West Central Ohio Junior Football League.
The fun-loving, detail-oriented Michel often rumbles to United Way Board meetings atop his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, a symbol of his vitality and on-the-go lifestyle. Free time is a precious commodity for Michel, but he doesn't allow his tightly packed schedule to become an excuse to say no to those who need his help.
"You have to make time for the things that are important to you," says Michel, whose alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. to start a typical day. "The main thing you can control is how organized you are and the speed and proficiency at which you do things. That's how you make time when others are depending on you. You have to have a challenging spirit and lots of determination to make a difference on a consistent basis."
A fourth-generation native of Union County, Michel has genuine concern about the quality of life for his friends and neighbors, especially area youth. He says the United Way of Union County became of priority in his life after learning about the positive impact it makes not only in helping people through hard times, but in teaching others how to help themselves become valuable to the community.
"It doesn't take so much time to be helpful to someone in need," Michel said. "And the payback starts with the look on the face of someone you just helped voluntarily. Even if the only thing you do is donate to United Way, you will know that when you see someone benefiting from a Member Agency's support that you have made a difference in someone's life."
Tanner Chapman, a sophomore at Marysville High School, agrees. Chapman visits Navin Elementary once a week to tutor and mentor a third grader as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program.
"You don't have to volunteer for long stretches of time," he said. "30 minutes a week can make a difference. And even though you don't get paid, it makes you feel good to help."
Chapman juggles football, weightlifting, and a part-time job at McAuliffe's in addition to his studies. At Navin, he works with his "little" on homework, flashcards, or educational games.
"When I was a third grader, I looked up to high schoolers with a good attitude who were nice to little kids," said Chapman. "I like being that kind of high schooler and seeing how excited they get when we come."
There are literally hundreds of interesting volunteer opportunities available for people of every age, ability, and educational background. Those thinking about becoming a volunteer for the United Way or one of its 23 Member Agencies can call (937) 644-8381 to receive more information.