When I think of the word "volunteer" I think of someone who gives selflessly to others, to their community, and to the well-being of others. Someone who wants to give-back to others and cares about others. I also think of my fiance, Troy. Troy is the Volunteer Fire Chief of our local fire department (for the last 10 years), is a reserve Police Officer, and the Boy Scout Cub Master. Troy gives his time freely to these organizations to ensure that our community is safe and that the children in our town have organizations like the Boy Scouts. In the past he has also volunteered (with me) on our local pool board to ensure that the local pool would remain open for the kids, assisted me when I was a Girl Scout Leader, and volunteered his time as an EMT.
I know that Troy has had an enormous impact on the lives of others within our community. We have seen the teens that he has pulled out of car wrecks graduate; he has kept others safe during Police and Fire incidences; and created a safe learning environment for young boys. He has also sponsored several boys who were unable to pay the registration of Boy Scouts so that they could have the same experiences he was fortunate enough to have as a child. When our children were in Head Start he was always volunteering in some capacity. When our bus needed seat belts he arranged for the Fire Department to install them.
(Troy giving our son his Derby award!)
I believe the "take-a-way" message is that we must be willing to give of ourselves to help others. When we help others we are helping ourselves and providing something greater with our time and efforts. It was Troy's volunteer efforts actually that inspired me to start giving back by volunteering on the Pool Board, Girl Scout Leader, and Middle School Cheerleading Coach.
One of my favorite quotes is: "No one cares what you know, unless they know that you care."
I know that Troy has had an enormous impact on the lives of others within our community. We have seen the teens that he has pulled out of car wrecks graduate; he has kept others safe during Police and Fire incidences; and created a safe learning environment for young boys. He has also sponsored several boys who were unable to pay the registration of Boy Scouts so that they could have the same experiences he was fortunate enough to have as a child. When our children were in Head Start he was always volunteering in some capacity. When our bus needed seat belts he arranged for the Fire Department to install them.
(Troy giving our son his Derby award!)I believe the "take-a-way" message is that we must be willing to give of ourselves to help others. When we help others we are helping ourselves and providing something greater with our time and efforts. It was Troy's volunteer efforts actually that inspired me to start giving back by volunteering on the Pool Board, Girl Scout Leader, and Middle School Cheerleading Coach.
One of my favorite quotes is: "No one cares what you know, unless they know that you care."
Toni,
ReplyDeleteI like how you said "willing to give of ourselves to help others". Those words are the bottom line to be a volunteer, we have to learn to be selfless. When I first read this assignment I started looking for volunteers that were famous. However, I started thinking I know volunteers in my own community and life. I had to remember that volunteers are not famous people, they are every day real people like you and I.
OMG Toni! Now I have found that we have another connection! Your Fiance' is a firefighter and so is my son! I love the story you posted about his volunteerism. I am absolutely positive that he is making an impact on those children. I am so glad he cares enough to pay registration fees for those who aren't able to do it. I wish we had more people in our communities who were unselfish. His story really touches my heart. Tell him I said keep keeping on! We need more people like him!
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right , a volunteer is a selfless person and someone that think of others first beforehim/her self. You are blessed with a wonderful partner who has a gift of serving others. I believe that it is not the amount or the size of what you are giving others but it is the heart that gives.
Toni,
ReplyDeleteYour fiance sounds like an incredible person! I wish there were more people out there like him; the world would be a better place! And you're absolutely right, we must be willing to give our time to those in need. You never know when you could be on the other side of the table!
Toni,
ReplyDeleteWhat Troy does for you with inspiration, I hope I will do for others throughout my career! He sounds like a great man.
Toni, a lot of people are not willing to to give of themselves but I believe that when you find someone who is that is a very special person. I believe that you have found that in your fiance Troy. Best of Luck to you guys!!
ReplyDelete