Imagine A World

Without Volunteers

To the Editor:

These past few weeks have seen an outpouring of generosity from community members who supplied families in need with gifts, food, or certificates to area stores. This was especially heartwarming in light of our current economic climate. We can only imagine what it would have been like if no one came forward to donate items to these families in need or to participate in other holiday projects, to organize food, clothing or toy drives, to knit blankets, hats or mittens, or to participate in special events in support of area nonprofit agencies.

For just a moment imagine what it would be like to live in the Newtown area if there were no volunteers in our schools, nursing homes or hospitals, health clinics, soup kitchens, food banks or shelters. Imagine if there were no volunteers to answer hotline calls for victims of domestic abuse, no caregiver support for terminal patients, no tutors for people wanting to learn the English language, or to tutor school children who need some extra attention Imagine if no one came forward to adopt our streets, to maintain our open spaces, to provide hands-on services to homeowners in need, or to provide supportive services to animal shelters. Imagine if no one volunteered to coach children’s sports teams or to be leaders in scout programs. Imagine if there was no help for the many and varied clerical and administrative tasks of community agencies or volunteers to serve on the boards of directors of these agencies.

Every social service, human service, and health care agency, together with many community organizations, came into being because of volunteers — people who saw a need, had an idea how to meet that need, and cared enough to want to make a difference. Volunteering takes time, skill and work; new ideas and programs take time to develop and depend on the cooperation, energy, and excitement of many people. Volunteers are the heart, the strength, and the power of our towns.

Thank you to those of you in the Newtown area who were either a first-time or seasoned volunteer this past year. Thank you for your time, energy, experience, expertise, or financial commitment that helped to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people. All of us at The Volunteer Center look forward to continuing our work with you, as well as with the nonprofit agencies and programs that serve our community.

The Volunteer Center is the leader in strengthening our community by connecting people to volunteer service. You can call us at 203-797-1154 or visit our website at www.volunteerdanbury.org.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Priscilla Behling

The Volunteer Center

58 Division Street, Danbury                                  December 31, 2009