Who is willing? A few are leading the many when it comes to volunteering

Visit any of the local boards or volunteer organizations in this county and you will likely see many of the same faces.

That’s the way of the world these days. With increasingly busy schedules, many people find themselves barely getting through their work obligations and their home commitments. There just isn’t a lot of time left to devote to any outside activities.

So, that leaves a core of individuals who are hit up for everything — and who serve as often as they can.

And that is a shame.

Many of the tremendous volunteer efforts that take place in Wayne County are led by dedicated bands of volunteers who direct the work year-after-year. Some of those willing workers are approaching retirement or getting older, while others are just simply tired and can take on no more.

And the need for new faces and fresh energy is a concern for just about every charitable endeavor in this county.

Many organizations worry that the pool from which they can draw willing volunteers is getting dangerously thin — especially when it comes to the younger generation.

And that is why now, more than ever, those who have not considered donating their time to one of the many worthwhile community service groups in Wayne County ought to think about getting involved.

There are many ways to assist — and not all of them require enormous amounts of time.

The truth is that if more people volunteer or offer their expertise to local charitable groups, there will be less work for each member. It is the old theory that the more people you have pulling, the lighter the load.

Wayne County’s strength is truly in its spirit. Keeping our volunteer efforts strong is a critical part of who we are and who we will become.

Now is the time for all of us to do our parts — even if we can only spare a few hours.

Published in Editorials on October 19, 2006 11:21 AM