by Monica Palmer
My hand shot up straight in an instant. My body lifted an inch off my seat in an attempt to make my hand that much higher than my classmates’ hands which were raised with equal eagerness. My arm began to pulse with a vibrating energy as I chanted under my breath, “Pick me! Pick me! Oh please, oh please, PICK ME!”
From this reaction, you might think that my first-grade teacher had just asked the class which student most wanted to go to Disney Land, but she had simply asked for a volunteer.
I think we all start out with an innate impulse to be useful to others. Something happens, though, to dampen that urge throughout the course of our indoctrination into the “real world.” Many of us gradually adopt a new mentality that assumes if we do something for someone else, we should get something in return.
Fortunately, there is a special type of human that resists the urge to look at life from a predominantly “What’s in it for me?” mindset. This person is called a volunteer.
Volunteers come in all varieties… young and old…rich and poor…and with varying ethnicities and religious backgrounds. These people give of their time and talents for many reasons. Some do what they do as a way of “giving back” for a time in their life when they needed and accepted help. Some volunteer as a way to make friends while making their community stronger, and some are searching for a sense of purpose in life.
Regardless of why they show up, the volunteers that choose to give their time to the six food banks in our state, are essential to the work of feeding hungry Missourians. Each month, volunteers contribute thousands of hours to sort donations, serve clients, teach classes, assist at special events, and serve as ambassadors and advocates.
Without volunteers, the food banks in Missouri would not be able to feed as many families as we do.
To say that our volunteers work and get nothing in return is not completely accurate. I’ve seen the priceless glow on the face of a volunteer after helping a pantry client to her car and receiving a hug that was one hundred percent genuine gratitude. I’ve been a part of the laughter and playfulness that comes from working as part of a group, knowing that what you’re doing will help someone less fortunate. I’ve also witnessed a strikingly familiar expression on the face of a new volunteer learning the ropes with excitement and enthusiasm. I recognize that expression from childhood. It’s the same face a child makes when the teacher calls her name to be the volunteer.
Volunteers may not receive monetary compensation, but they are rewarded in other ways. Here’s a link to a wonderful video short I came across recently that beautifully illustrates this point.
As we approach the end of National Volunteer Month, I would like to extend a sincere thanks to all of the men, women, and children who give of themselves to feed our neighbors in need. If you are reading this, and you are interested in volunteering at your local food bank, use the service map on the home page to go directly to the website for the food bank in your area, and they will help you find a job that’s right for you.