Do You Volunteer?

We’ve been sharing a lot of news from our clients who conscientiously give back to the community.  Bob Kobek at CustomerCount® actively promotes the wonderful Christel House charity and Grand Pacific Resorts sponsored a fund raising golf tournament for the organization as well.  Tommy Middaugh at Travel To Go rides his Harley around supporting Wounded Warriors in various ways, including some really cool concerts.  Also from Travel To Go, Jeanette Bunn serves as Co-President of the Board at Send Me On Vacation which gives the gift of vacations to breast cancer survivors.

My ongoing philanthropic commitment is the Radio Reading Service at KPBS.  Sponsored in part by the Lions Club of San Diego, we are a group of volunteers who read aloud to the visually impaired over a closed circuit radio channel.  My shift is two-three times a month reading the UT San Diego.  Truth be told reading aloud is something I really enjoy.  It’s easier than scooping mashed potatoes at Father Joe’s or walking a 5K for some disease.

So, my work isn’t truly altruistic.  Years ago I actually received a gold medal in an “Oral Interpretation” competition for the State of Wisconsin. Can you imagine such a thing?  Not sure they really even have that any more.  When I was in the School of Speech at Northwestern University I took a class in “Oral Interp” from Charlton Heston’s sister, Lila.  All which lead to my comfort in reading.

The point of this is not about my reading ability. The point is that volunteering is something that can be rewarding on many levels.  If you like sports, coaching the underserved population may be an avenue.  If you like driving, there are programs to transport seniors to special centers or give them meals.  If kids are your passion, there are plenty of opportunities to be a Big Brother or Sister or share your knowledge and humanity on some other level with them.

Do you volunteer now? Why?  What keeps you from it?  I would like to hear from you about it.