Volunteering can make a difference Published May 27, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. John Blake 305th Operations Group command chief JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- Time is a commodity we all treasure. Sometimes, we don't seem to have enough time, thus the old adage, "There never seem to be enough hours in the day." But have you ever found yourself sitting around with free time and nothing to do? Volunteering may be something worthwhile to consider. For many, volunteering is a way of life. It is a way to give back to the community in which they live or from where they came. Volunteering can be as simple as donating a few hours of your time after work, for a day or a few hours, or a day on the weekend for a worthy cause. Who is a volunteer? In general, a volunteer is someone who contributes time helping others, with no expectation of pay or other compensation. However, this does not mean the work they do is of no value to the individual. To the contrary, helping others can be just as beneficial for the donor as it is for the recipient. In fact, some studies show that many people believe helping others is a good way to gain self-fulfillment. There are countless volunteer opportunities locally on base or in the community. I am sure we all have seen numerous e-mails or advertisements seeking volunteers. So, what are some worthy causes? The Attic, formerly known as the Airmen's Attic, is a great program that supports families with needed items, from clothing to furniture and appliances. Volunteers are needed to help with everything, from sorting and displaying clothing and arranging and storing appliances, to donating time during operating hours ensuring goods are accessible to families that need them. Another great volunteer opportunity is Habitat for Humanity. What a great way to give back to the community. I have personally volunteered to support this cause. Several members of my unit and I spent a Saturday helping to build a home for a deserving family. You don't have to be a highly skilled craftsman; just your time and willingness to help goes a long way. It was a wonderful way to build unit camaraderie and enhance our carpentry and painting skills. Seeing the finished product and the joy on the face of the benefitting family was heartwarming, knowing a family now had a nice home to live in. We all take pleasure in seeing our peers and co-workers recognized for a job well done at quarterly and annual awards ceremonies. But events like these just don't happen. It takes volunteers to do the behind-the-scenes work to make them happen. Volunteers organize and coordinate everything from ensuring the venue is appropriate, making arrangements for posting of the colors, to finding the right emcee, to energizing the crowd. Award ceremonies are one of our long-standing customs. They provide a great opportunity to gather in a relaxed atmosphere to recognize individual and team accomplishments. Have you noticed the volunteers at the Medical Clinic? What about at the Pharmacy when you stop by to pick up a prescription? Many of them are elderly, and I cannot help but notice their warm greetings and pleasant smiles when I go the pick-up window. The volunteers are always friendly and have something nice to say to help brighten your day. I would venture to say they don't work there for the money, but for the joy of serving and helping others. There are many benefits to volunteering. It can help improve your interpersonal and communication skills. It can also increase your knowledge about the volunteer activity and improve employment opportunities. For others, simply knowing they helped someone is sufficient. Whatever the reasons, volunteering can make a difference in the lives of many. I encourage you to consider volunteering. Help make a difference at your base and in your community.