Hurricane Season Preparation
By · CommentsThere is no time when volunteer resources are more appreciated than in time of disaster. Although for now, we have escaped the negative effects of the deepwater oil spill, we are approaching the peak of our 2010 hurricane season. Volunteer St. Lucie works with St. Lucie County Division of Emergency Management in local emergencies or catastrophic events. OUR roll is to refer volunteers who will assist in preparation, response and long term recovery in the event of disaster.
YOUR role is to register now. Be sure you give us clear contact information. Check the appropriate boxes under Job Interests. Give us relevant information in the Additional Information box. Special skills, talents, licenses; equipment you will lend or provide as part of your volunteer services; any other information you think would help us in making an appropriate referral.
THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO REACH OUT A HAND.
FROM OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
By · CommentsFrom Sydney Liebman: Volunteer St. Lucie Advisory Committee member, and volunteer.
I’ve had the pleasure of participating in many fundraising events and volunteer opportunities throughout my 30 years here in St. Lucie County. From being a Den Mother, chaperoning the young swim team at what was then Indian River Community College, manning booths at the annual home show, leading a political campaign, serving on boards for various nonprofits, and chairing events raising hundreds to thousands of dollars – it’s been my honor, but it’s also been my duty to give back to my community in which I live. As Muhammed Ali once said, “ Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.”
And as editor of Luminaries, a Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers weekly publication, I’ve had the honor of attending many events that I would otherwise not be able to support throughout what is normally referred to as “the season of giving.”
Funds raised at luncheons, fashions shows, teas, galas and golf and fishing tournaments go towards making our community a much better place for all, but especially for those served by the agencies that are feeding, clothing, protecting and educating our most vulnerable. Whether it’s human or non-human services, they are all needed and sorely affected by today’s economy. But it goes beyond attending fundraising events.
Volunteering doesn’t always mean you’re a member of a committee raising funds or planning events. Each of us has a few moments of free time that could be used to help file, answer phones, mentor a child, feed the hungry, help the elder, clean cages, pick up trash or any number of other duties that are of value. Many nonprofits have had to cut staffing, relying on more volunteers to do things that were once entrusted only to staff. Even that small amount of time can make up for the loss of a paid employee. The giving of your time is a gift that can have tremendous impact on any nonprofit.
My primary personal passion lies with all things related to elder-care. I’ve spent the past 10 years volunteering my time, talent and treasure for the Council on Aging of St. Lucie County, Alzheimer’s Community Care and the Alzheimer’s Association. But I still make time for other things that make life great here on the Treasure Coast – like the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, the Treasure Coast Food Bank and the Fort Pierce Exchange Club’s annual Chili Cookoff.
Everyone has some time they can give, regardless of income, job requirements, family situation - there’s always time to give to the things that mean the most to you.
Put your passion into action!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” famous words from Margaret Mead.
FROM OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
By · CommentsFrom Marsha L. Thompson: Volunteer St. Lucie Advisory Committee member, former United Way Board member, volunteer.
Volunteering to me is a way that I can give back to my community. It allows me the opportunity to meet people and experience first hand areas of our community that I might not otherwise know about. I feel that we all have a responsibility to make the place where we work and live a better place for all.
Giving financially is definitely needed, however, really getting out and working with other individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their community makes me feel good about myself, my community, and the people who live here. I am excited about the expansion of Volunteer St. Lucie and look forward to staying involved!
From Our Advisory Committee
By · CommentsFrom Dennis Corrick, Esq: United Way Trustee, Volunteer St. Lucie Advisory Committee member and volunteer.
Some of my earliest memories are of my mother interpreting for the deaf as a volunteer in our church in Gainesville, Florida. The child of deaf parents, her first language was sign language. She had a unique skill, and the deaf members of the church had a need she was able to meet. I guess that’s how I’ve always seen volunteering. We are all part of a community, from which we all draw countless benefits, large and small. If you have a skill, or time, or are lucky enough to have more wealth than you need, it is your obligation to give back to your community. And as anyone who has made volunteering a part of their life also knows, it is also your privilege to do so, as the joys of sharing and giving outweigh any burden or inconvenience. I invite anyone who would like to experience those joys to step up and make volunteering a part of their life.
Volunteering Can Make Magic
By · CommentsWhen a group of individuals came together several months back to discuss how to spread the magic in St. Lucie County, the consensus was that an expanded volunteer coordination or referral center could accomplish that. United Way of St. Lucie County has supplied that service as part of its larger mission, but our county has grown so much that it needed more resources to just keep up with those who want to volunteer. The group grew, more volunteers jumped on board, and voila! we had an advisory board, tracking software, and now, a website. But the better news is that we have over 300 registered volunteers, many registered non-profits with opportunities, and a growing list of volunteer missions completed or underway.
The magic occurs when that individual who wants to give back to the community meets with the perfect opportunity to do so. A family packing school supplies for a child who wouldn’t have them. A group of teens clearing undergrowth to save the bay laurels. An outgoing early retiree with organizational skills pulling together a non-profit’s event.
Help make the magic! VOLUNTEER