Good morning Volunteers –
The month of February is over and if you are like me the exhilaration of a new month is at hand. When I was a kid I remember the folks saying, “In like a Lion and out like a Lamb”. I can remember looking for the Lion and when I didn’t see the Lion, I looked for the Lamb. It became a great game kids played. The enjoyment I remember was longer days – more time to play and warmer weather – no more boots and heavy coats, AND the sun was shining, just above my head.
Although many sayings are based on observation and are accurate, others are the rhymes and beliefs of those who came before us. Folks believed the saying might have a connection to the stars - At the start of March, the constellation Leo (the Lion) is on the eastern horizon at sunset. By the end of the month, Aries (the Ram) is on the western horizon." The adversity of the constellations had a profound change on the environment.
Year 2020 is behind us and the ensuing months of 2021 is at the forefront – exciting times for Northwest Valley Connect. While contacting people in nooks and crannies, Steve shares with them the great job our volunteers are doing as drivers, and call center representatives, AND then he asks for their time as a volunteer. Linda is sending out Donor Letters thanking people for their support – and Sally is calling Surprise clients, sharing with them the value of our ride and food assistance services. Mickey has her group of people calling the most vulnerable clients, so they don’t feel isolated. Connie is working on fundraising activities. Grants are going out to funders identifying NVC’s survival success through the pandemic -all are efforts coming from our community of volunteers.
The reward is NVC’s visibility in communities which is stepping up – more people are requesting rides. Activities our volunteers commit come from a “servant’s heart”, and I can say that so many are grateful.
As you know we are not the only organization struggling with “volunteer attraction” Like yourself, Kathy and others are putting motivating words out there that WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. It’s coming - we’re on the phone, zoom, or internet talking to people – Special people become our volunteers. Yesterday a gentleman stepped up to be a driver – and I received a call from Experience Matters asking, “How can we help?”
In like a Lion and out like a Lamb – we are moving forward with strength and soon we’ll receive the gentleness of spring. We have a great group of people at Northwest Valley Connect.
Thank you,
Trudy Ware
Volunteering as the Volunteer Coordinator