Volunteer Voices

“… and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!” ~ Charles Dickens from A Christmas Carol

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge experiences a splendid transformation when he awakes on Christmas morning. After being visited by three spirits who have shown him the error of his selfish ways, Scrooge is reborn. He greets the day with wonder, humility and with the sudden understanding that it is in giving that we are capable of feeling the greatest joy. Giddy with gratitude, Scrooge makes amends with his estranged family, gives a Christmas goose and a generous wage to his long-suffering employee, Bob Cratchit, and even dances in the street.

The holiday season is one of joy and sharing, but at times the stresses of the season and our culture’s tendency toward the material can cause us all to forget the joys of generosity and, perhaps, allow our inner Scrooge to get the best of us. What better way to embrace the joy of the season than to give back to others?

The Volunteer Center of Door County can help connect you and your family with opportunities for sharing the holiday spirit. Whether it’s ringing bells for The Salvation Army, helping to pack nutritious meals for families at a local food pantry, or giving rides to those in need of transportation, there are many ways for us to “keep Christmas” in our hearts, and in our community.

So, in the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone!”

For volunteer opportunities throughout Door County, visit VolunteerDoorCounty.com or call the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704.