I Want to Start a Movement: Do Something

Volunteers are out there, but sometimes they can be hard to spot; many really don’t want recognition. Their rebuttal is all the same — they just see something that needs to be done, and they do it; and wonder what the fuss is about when someone suggests that it’s awesome.

I started volunteering when I was seven years old; my Girl Scout troop made various items for the local nursing home, and delivered them. It was a very serious project — wrapping bars of Ivory soap in wash cloths, and pinning them just right to somehow make them look cute. The patients and residents would smile and thank us; looking back now I think they were more grateful for our visits than for our gifts. It was a dark and overcrowded place, and I knew it was important for them to see us.

A few years later, I benefited from the work of volunteers from several local churches. One day while I was in school, our home burned down and we lost everything. I still remember coming home and seeing people bringing food, pillows, clothes, and blankets to my family. Who were these strangers? Why would they help us so much? I wondered why they thought we were worthy of their kindness.

KenCrest is a part of multiple communities, and the acts of kindness that we witness and are privy to from others enrich our lives and lighten our burdens. Invariably it is those who give of themselves who feel that they have received even more than they have extended. On Friday, March 15th, KenCrest will celebrate the people who touched the lives of those we support — we call them all (our) ‘champions.’ Here is one story, you can check out others in the coming week on our social media platforms.

Meet Bob Lougheed. Bob, of Millsboro, Delaware, is a professional Elvis Impersonator, and performs every year at one of the local Delaware day programs for free. He dances with people whether they can stand or are in a wheelchair. Bob shared that the smiles on the faces of the folks he meets at the day programs are “all the payment he needs.” One of KenCrest’s Delaware residents, Mr. Ralph, absolutely loves Elvis, and follows Bob’s performances. For Ralph’s birthday, staff reached out to Bob to see if there was a concert around that time that Ralph could attend. Bob knew who Mr. Ralph was right away, and said it would be an “honor” to perform for Mr. Ralph free of charge at his home for him and his friends. Bob attended Mr. Ralph’s birthday party in February and sang all of his favorites; there were even a few duets! Because of Bob, Mr. Ralph celebrated one of his most memorable birthdays.

The world is full of needs and we each have something to give. Most needs would probably be met and many problems would be solved if we were each willing to share our gifts and talents with others. Let’s celebrate those who have answered the call and given of their time, resources, and energy; and further challenge ourselves to share more of our own gifts.