Take some time to volunteer in 2018

Published 6:15 am Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Although lesser known than the big three New Year’s Resolutions — get fit, lose weight and get out of debt — the commitment to volunteer more has gained ground over the years, much to the delight of local charities and nonprofits.

The United Way of Athens-Limestone County, by far, offers the most volunteering opportunities for community members, boasting partnerships with charities such as the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama and the Family Resource Center. Kaye Young McFarlen, the local United Way’s executive director, said that the organization sent 1,430 volunteers into the community last year. They served in every imaginable capacity, from providing after-school homework help at the Boys & Girls Club to building handicap ramps in low-income neighborhoods to packing care packages for Hurricane Maria victims at the Birdie Thornton Center.

“There are about a gazillion things people can do,” McFarlen said. “Our job is to connect them with organizations that they have a heart for.”

McFarlen said plugging volunteers into organizations where they will make the biggest difference and find the most fulfillment is key. For example, a person who enjoys helping people whose lives have been torn apart by natural disasters might be best suited for a position with the American Red Cross. An animal lover, on the other hand, might find more purpose in bathing dogs at the local animal shelter.

McFarlen said those who want to get involved should be realistic about their time.

“There are some who are best suited to a one-time project, whereas others may have the time to volunteer on a regular basis,” she said. “In the end, it all makes a difference.”

People can volunteer from their home as well, making regular phone calls and checking in on the welfare of seniors and the disabled. McFarlen said volunteers of all ages are welcome.

“If people come to us with a desire to volunteer, we’ll find a project that will work for them,” she said.

Last year, the average hour donated by a United Way volunteer in Limestone County was valued at $23.56. Nationally, the organization pulled in $3.71 billion in donations in 2015, making it the largest charity in the Untied States.

Those interested in finding out more about the many volunteering opportunities available through the United Way can visit their website at www.unitedwayathenslimestone.com or contact the organization at 256-233-2323.

Good place to start

McFarlen often recommends those new to volunteering to start out at the local food bank run by Limestone County Churches Involved.

“They offer a lot of different opportunities under one roof,” she said.

Program Director Earnest Shipe, said that the food pantry is a perfect place for people to volunteer as a family. He said that they have tasks for all ages, but they require that children volunteers under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult.

The organization also needs drivers to pick up donated food from local grocery stores and people willing to organize and stock the food pantry and pack food bags.

“I have observed that people who volunteer are generally happier and more friendly people,” Shipe said. “Our volunteers meet the needs of the community and we have a lot of fun doing it.”

“When Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive, he really meant it,” he added.

For more information about volunteering at the LCCI Food Pantry email them at lcci@knology.net or call 256-262-0671.

Elsewhere in the city

The Family Resource Center, located in the heart of Athens, offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including reception work, computer data entry, interior building maintenance, sorting donations and working one-on-one with clients.

The organization assisted 1,068 families last year by providing emergency food, clothing, toiletries and $30,000 in monetary help to the area’s poor.

Fore more information about getting involved at the FRC, visit their website at www.alcfamilyresourcecenter.org or call 256-230-0880.

Volunteers who favor those of a furry sort can check out the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. Priscilla Blenkinsopp, the shelter’s director, said that the animal safe haven would have to close its doors if it were not for a steady stream of volunteers who help with everything from cleaning litter boxes to playing with the animals to serving as foster parents.

Blenkinsopp said that each year the shelter attracts more volunteers, a trend she hopes will continue in 2018.

“We are looking for people who love animals,” she said.

Volunteers must be 16 or older unless accompanied by an adult. To schedule volunteer time, call 256-771-7889.