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How do you calculate the value of a volunteer? According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, last year about 63 million Americans gave 8 billion hours of volunteer service worth $193 billion dollars. That’s a lot of money and time! Eight billion ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others. They are not paid or coerced. Their motivation is to simply share their time, talents, and treasures for the benefit of someone or something else.
This past Sunday we celebrated our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation party at the beautiful Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia, NY. (Thank you Owera and Carrabba’s in Fayetteville for sponsoring the event!!!) Gathered around the tables were ordinary people who are making an extraordinary difference in the families we serve at David’s Refuge. Old and young, male and female, professional and retired, all there because they want to be a part of “Caring for the Caregiver.” Some were hosts, others board members, some delivered flowers and gift baskets. Together we pour hope and love into moms and dads who needed to be reminded they are not alone, what they do matters, and that they are loved by God. Every person there inspired me! These are folks who completely understand and embrace the following quotes:
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” -Aristotle
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” William Shakespeare
If you are one of our volunteers, Brenda and I want to thank you for helping our dream become a reality. We love you and pray for all of you.
If you are interested in learning more about how you could volunteer with David’s Refuge, email Morgan Pipes, our Volunteer Coordinator, by simply filling out the brief form on our webpage.
https://davidsrefnew.wpengine.com/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-form/