Volunteer Voices

In November, Sunrise School Ambassadors chose to volunteer at Golden LivingCenter-Dorchester, where they played bingo with residents and made door decorations for them.

A few weeks ago, I led 14 third through fifth graders from the Sunrise School Ambassador program to Dorchester Golden Living Center in Sturgeon Bay. The Ambassador program was developed “to provide a sense of goodwill with our community through active participation in a community service project.” I meet with a different group each month and we talk about volunteering and why they want to be part of doing something for others. We then discuss what type of project they’re interested in doing and we make a plan to get the project started. It amazes me how “in tune” these kids are to the needs of our community.

So, after much discussion and a few votes, the Ambassadors chose to make door decorations for Dorchester residents and then play Bingo with them. As we set up for Bingo, we told the residents about the Ambassador program and then each student spoke as to why they chose this project. As we went around the tables, one of the students talked about how her grandmother is in a nursing home out of the area and that she doesn’t get to see her very often. This student said she missed her grandmother, and then, she started to cry. Without hesitation, the ladies at her table told her they’d be her “adopted grandmas” if she’d be their “adopted granddaughter” as many didn’t get to see their grandchildren often either.

Pictured are some of the door decorations Sunrise School Ambassadors made for Dorchester residents.

In this moment I was reminded that volunteers also have needs that are fulfilled by volunteering, just like those they serve. On this particular day, those Dorchester residents gave a gift to a little girl that she didn’t even know she needed. I don’t doubt her visit did as much good for her as it did for the women at the Bingo table.

I know that everyone is busy. I personally am continually looking for a way to “clear my plate.” But then, I get to witness a moment like this, and I think, ‘this is what’s important—this is why my job is my gift.’

Find a moment this month to do something that can be a gift to you. Ring the Salvation Army bell, drop in at an assisted living facility just to visit or write a note to someone who has touched your life this past year and let him or her know why. Go find your gift.

For volunteer opportunities, contact the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704 or visit our website at http://www.volunteerdoorcounty.com.