Volunteers give of themselves to help others
National Volunteer Week is April 17-23
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2005
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For more than 11 years, Plain City's Dave and Jane
Garey have been volunteer drivers for Memorial Meals, a United Way Member Agency.
Twice a week, they gather with the rest of the volunteers at Memorial Hospital, pick up the warm, nutritious meals
prepared by hospital staff, hop in the car, and head north. The Gareys drive "Route B" to Richwood and Essex, delivering to as many as 40 homebound residents who can't cook for themselves. Dave jokes that the couple has worn out two cars over the years. But the experience has been well worth it. Their work helps clients maintain independence and stay in their homes. |
That's because the Gareys have driven the same route for more than a decade, getting to know the people they're delivering to. They've become true friends, gathering gifts to make holiday baskets for clients or celebrating special events with them.
"We always give them a card and we sing Happy Birthday with them!" said Jane.
The Gareys are two of the more than 1,700 volunteers within the United Way family of Member Agencies in Union County. That's a lot of free labor for these 24 organizations, and helps keep administrative costs low.
| But it's also labor of love, literally, for one Richwood couple that has been married for 58
years. Al and Annabelle Converse have
spent their golden years assisting with lunches at the Memorial Meals site at the Richwood Civic Center. 93-year
old Al serves the residents and busses tables while 85-year old Annabelle staffs the registration desk. "Everyday for the last 20 years or so," Al said. "I like to do it, I guess. I just enjoy the people." Al has amassed more than 4,000 hours of service time over the past two decades, besting Annabelle by about 500 hours. |
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| She explained it's because she took off on Tuesdays a few years back to go shopping! | |
A common theme among these volunteers who freely give of their free time is a sense of purpose and satisfaction. They often seem to get more out of the experience than those they're serving. Even when their time is at a premium.
John Waite is the Board President of the United Way of Union County and is serving his second consecutive year in that capacity. This is on top of his roles with the Rotary Club of Union County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and oh yes, father, husband, and realtor. But Waite makes time for community service.
"I have been volunteering and holding positions of leadership in service organizations for some time and a magical thing happens when a person dedicates themselves to serving others," Waite said. "You become aware of the many things you have to be grateful for in your own life and you quickly realize that you are able to make a positive impact in the lives of others and within your community."
Volunteer opportunities abound in the community and there's always an organization that can benefit from the talents, skills, expertise, and experience residents have to offer.
"People shouldn't wait to be asked to volunteer," said Barb Nicol, a longtime United Way Board Member. "Just get started doing something - anything - and you will find lots of opportunities."
"I don't know a better legacy to leave when one departs this life than to be able to say the world a was better place because of the good a person did while they were alive," said Waite. "That is the exciting thing about volunteerism. Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference. To give back."
United Way of Union County can help those looking to get involved and can guide individuals or groups to find volunteer activities that meet the interests and schedules of all involved.