Volunteer of the Month

WHY I VOLUNTEER

by Ella Mae Newson

A few years ago I said good-bye to a job I truly loved, a job that involved helping people at a time when they were facing life-and-death situations. The value of service is not measured by the length of time you spend on a job. It is measured by the spirit in which service is rendered. Of this we are certain. In the divine life, service depends upon the improvement of the talents given. I believe helping others is one of the talents I have been given. To meet people at a critical time in their lives and helping them work through spiritual, emotional and physical problems, I found very rewarding. And so, with much regret, in 2004 I made the decision to retire from nursing and begin another phase of my life. Gardening, church work and various other things filled my time, but they did not bring fulfillment.
One day, while reading the newspaper and relaxing over a cup of tea, I said to myself, “You need to do more. Why not do some volunteer work?” But where? A nursing home, the hospitals, the Red Cross, The Salvation Army? In August 2007 I came to The Salvation Army seeking information about being part of the Emergency Disaster Services team so I could use my nursing experience. I have enjoyed taking the emergency preparedness classes; however, my scope of service has broadened and I am now assisting with the mobile canteen. Going out into the communities of Albany and feeding those in need food and giving a listening ear to someone in need of a friend does my heart good.

Volunteering at The Salvation Army is a perfect fit for me, and I have found friends like Don and Barbara Barbeau, who have been volunteers for many year. Are you looking for a place to make a difference in someone’s life? Try The Salvation Army.