Volunteer: Get Perspective, Get Better, And Get Excited

Folks, if there's anything I've noticed about Sedalia, it's that people here care about their neighbors.  And sometimes it can be something manifested in small ways - like helping shovel their walk, or checking on a neighbor, or donating to a local charity.

Well now, we've got another way that you can help and it doesn't cost anything but your time.  If you’re interested in meeting new people and giving back to the community, that is.  Empathy is a thing that sometimes gets pushed aside in our cynical world these days.  I know we all worry about getting taken advantage of, and that's made people very jaded.  But to me, I just can't look someone in the eye and tell them I'm not going to help when I'm able to.

Maybe that's just me.   But I hope it's not.

Volunteering will be just the thing to help you get some perspective, or at least, for most people it will be.  Helping those who are less fortunate than you might help you remember that in our own ways, we've all been there.  We've all stared down the path of difficulty and just kept going.   And okay, maybe nobody helped you along your path - does that mean you didn't deserve help while you were walking?  Of course you did.  Even if it was just a friendly smile and a handshake. Just because you didn't get help, or you didn't get that empathy, doesn't mean you can't give it.

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Here's where the opportunity comes in.  The Open Door Service Center needs you.  They need people who want to give back.  People who have that little tug in their heart that says, "Go on, it's the right thing..."

The Open Door needs your help to pack food boxes, taking food to patrons, accepting donations, sorting donations, light cleaning, assisting with meal prep, tagging merch, answering phones, scheduling appointments, breaking down boxes, bagging hygiene items, they 've got a ton of little things you can do that won't put you out physically.

Volunteers in both groups play a vital part of the services the Open Door provides to its clients and their families. They make a real difference by providing the little extras people have come to appreciate, and their personal touch helps make the Kitchen, the Service Center/Pantry, and the Thrift Shop  a warm, friendly place.

And honestly, that kind of thing never ends up with someone feeling regret.  I can't think of a single time I've given blood or done work or answered a phone where I thought, "Wow, I'm sorry I helped them".  It makes ME a better person.  It gets me excited about helping the next one. 

After all, if everyone does one little bit, we'll all go a long way to making day to day life a little better for everyone in Sedalia and Pettis County.

Voluntarily yours,

Behka