Because of our new format this year, we needed extra help during breakfast, getting everyone signed in and fed before we headed out to our volunteer assignments. That was another half-dozen folks to be grateful for--along with all of the women who are happy and energized to give much of a day to others in the community. The artists and craftspeople who donated their work for our raffle, too, didn't need to be asked twice.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. I was part of a crew that assembled gifts for an upcoming conference for leaders of homeless shelters. Not something you think about, right? That those people also get together to exchange what in the corporate world we called "best practices"? We also learned that the average age of people passing through the Holland Rescue Mission these days is--what would you think? I've asked a few people, who've said 38? 47? 29? Nope. The answer is 12. Twelve years old, on average. That was shocking to me.
But I digress. What I meant to do was to create a place where other folks could share their stories from Women's Volunteer Day 2008. What did you do? How did it feel? Wasn't it a beautiful day?
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7 comments:
This from a caseworker at Evergreen Commons: "My client and I are very appreciative of all the help provided.... She called and updated me on the help she received. She said everything looks so clean--the windows now sparkle, her curtains have been washed, and her house has been cleaned. She said they did a GREAT job! The kindness that was extended to her is appreciated more than you can imagine.
From a volunteer coordinator at Good Samaritan Ministries:
"Thanks for a wonderful day... I really appreciate being part of this volunteer day."
From the volunteer coordinator at Hospice of Holland: "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We really appreciated all the work both groups did. The staff enjoyed seeing the creative cards at the staff meeting and everyone commented on how beautiful the
grounds looked. We are so blessed to live in a community that has such a giving spirit....
Again, thank you everyone for the wonderful job you did. I am looking forward to working with you women again!
From the volunteer coordinator at Holland Rescue Mission:
Dear Lovely Ladies!
How can we ever thank you for all the hard work you did for the Women’s Volunteer Day this year?
We have been so blessed by your generosity. Not only did we receive the huge monetary donation and ALL kinds of the necessary toiletry supplies, we received YOU!!
Thank you, Sue, Lois, Marcia and Cindy for spending extra time helping us with our office project. Teri was so excited when she saw how many tiles and cards you were able to package!
Our Thrift Store looks re-organized and inviting, thanks to 5 hard-working women! And our Stepping Stones Daycare smells clean and is disinfected, ready for busy little bodies!
This was a wonderful day of service and building relationships. I am so honored to have been a tiny part of it.
Looking forward to next year....
From a staff member of the Holland Deacon's Conference on behalf of My Sister's House:
Thank you so much for including us with your volunteer work group!! We appreciate the help and the opportunity to have our community aware of what we do!
From a homeowner:
"Dear Folks: Thank you so much for all the hard work you did at our place on Sept. 25. The windows were sparkling as I came down the road! I was amazed at how much got done in such a short time.
We are truly appreciative and have peace of mind that some of this stuff got done before winter. Thanks so much!"
So is this your only blog Lois M?
It's a great one!
Glad to see you popped over to check out mine.
KD
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