It may sound cliché to say that volunteers are the “lifeblood” of any non-profit organization. But United Way of Logan County officials said last year, 326 volunteers directly supported local activities with 2,126 hours of community service.
The United Way is recognizing the important work of its volunteers for National Volunteer Week, and noted that there are literally hundreds of ways to volunteer in the county, within United Way Funded Agencies and beyond.
The newly published Logan County Volunteer Guide can help match residents with a volunteer experience. It is available online at www.uwlogan.org/volunteer.
“There are so many opportunities to get involved and make this community stronger,” said Scott Guenther, AGC senior director of manufacturing operations and a United Way Board member. “The personal rewards for being part of something bigger than yourself may not be tangible, but they are so meaningful.”
“Simply step up! Everyone is extremely busy, but we can all find a little time to support others and opportunities to serve exist everywhere in Logan County,” said Rob Underwood, Indian Lake Schools superintendent and a United Way Board member.
“Prioritize your time and make serving your community a family activity. If you do not know where to start, contact the United Way for ideas.”
The 2020 volunteer hours incorporate the activities of the 15-member Board of Trustees, which governs and guides the organization. The Campaign Cabinet and United Way Champions in more than 40 workplaces who offered their time and talents to help the United Way raise more than $1 million for in the annual campaign.
Other volunteers include the Allocations Committee, who reviews all grant requests and calculates the best ways to invest donor dollars back into the community.
It also includes special event participants who took part in one-time activities such as Community Care Day, the United Way’s corporate volunteer event; Stuff the Bus, the annual school supply drive; or other projects.
Several members were asked why they choose to participate.
“Giving back is also a great way to get to know your community and its citizens,” said Sally Stolly, Benjamin Logan Schools director of administrative services and a United Way Board president.
“When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to meet lots of new people. Working alongside individuals who also care about improving their surroundings will allow you to broaden your network of friends. Additionally, it will help you to better understand the circumstances of other members of your community. Having a broad, open-minded perspective of the different walks of life around you will help you to be an effective and empathetic citizen.”
“I have always believed that you should give generously of your time, talents and finances,” said Katie Rychener, Bellefontaine High School marketing management teacher and DECA adviser, and a United Way Board Member.
“My parents raised my sisters and I to have a servant’s heart. They were extremely involved volunteers throughout our entire childhood and incredible role models for us.
When you give back to those in your community, you are helping to build a stronger foundation for the future for all residents within your area.”
“I feel privileged and blessed to be healthy, educated, gainfully employed and financially stable. But I know that so many others are not as fortunate, and I want to do my part to use my time, energy, and resources to help those who need it most,” said Alison Marker, Marker, Inc. president and a United Way Board member.
Volunteers recommend sharing something you love to do with others.
“My focus of volunteerism is currently in the area of youth sports as a coach for football, basketball and baseball,” said Josh Stolly, an attorney at TDH Law and United Way Board member. “I enjoy seeing kids obtain success – something that is different for each person. Kids need a positive experience in a team setting and my personality allows me to push the kids to be the best teammate and competitor they can be.”
“Start to get involved where your natural interests lead you,” said Janet Siders, Emerson strategic pricing and market analyst and a United Way Board member. “I initially started volunteering with hippo therapy because I love animals and children. I believe it is important to help others where possible and to give back to the community in any way you can. My hope is to continue to make improvements and allow others to see the beauty in Logan County’s people that I saw when I moved here 16 years ago.”
For more information, visit www.uwlogan.org or call (937) 592-2886.