Do Good, Be Good, Feel Good

It is National Volunteer Week this week.  In my world, it is National Volunteer Week every week!  Volunteering has given me more rewards than I could have imagined.  From making bird feeders out of pine cones and shortening at the elementary schools to coordinating food drives for the hungry, each has given me a gift that I could not have bought.

The “Rock Star” moment when kids chant my name after opening a fruit cup and not getting any juice on me in an elementary school lunch room.  The soft and smooth hands after getting shortening on them from helping to make pine cone bird feeders.  The hugs of thanks after working a classroom party, from both the students and staff!  The satisfaction I feel after picking up the trash that was on a beach.  The excitement in the eyes of children who were able to stock cans in a food pantry. The smiles I see when making sandwiches for the hungry.  The stories I learn from when sharing a meal with the elderly.  The pride I feel when honoring the service of a veteran.  The relief I hear in the voice of another volunteer thanking me for just listening.

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a coordinated or scheduled event.  Just by taking a walk and picking up trash is volunteering to keep the earth clean.Volunteer opportunities are everywhere.  Find one that fits your time and scheduling needs.

If you have never volunteered before, give it a try this week and see what good comes out of it.  If you are an old veteran like me, keep up the good work!

Do good, be good, feel good.