It seems every day of the year is set aside to recognize someone or something — so many they’re hard to keep track of, and a few that get a little frivolous.
Folks hereabouts should take note of Nov. 1, however, a day to recognize those who “go the extra mile” — more to the point, volunteers.
We have so many in Iola and Allen County who are doing this, that and whatever to make quality of life better, for themselves and for all of us.
A legion of men and women make sure that kids have opportunities to participate in just about every sport under the sun. Volunteers keep our churches and clubs meeting spiritual and social needs. Others ensure the Allen County Fair is an upscale event. The list goes on, and on.
Have a worthwhile project? Want to do something for the community? Put out the word and it’s a good bet people will line up to help.
When there were questions about whether Farm-City Days would continue, a new crop of volunteers rolled up their sleeves, went to work and kept the fall festival perking along.
Look at what has transpired with the Charley Melvin event. Volunteers make it happen.
Volunteerism comes in a multitude of ways.
Some volunteers, such as those who worked diligently to make a recommendation for a new hospital, and their successors, the hospital trustees, pour themselves into a project for the long haul. Others show up to help one day with an event, such as Rotarians who turned our to make the first Neil Westervelt Memorial Rotary Car Show at this year’s fair a rousing success.
I’ve had the good fortune to know many of those who volunteer their time and talents, and it often amazes me how hard they work, and how much time they’re willing to commit. They do it because they are selfless and eager to help others.
It’s easy to join the crowd of volunteers. All you have to do is say, “yes.”
The reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you helped make something happen that brightened your life, as well as those of your friends and neighbors.
—Bob Johnson
