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Posted on March 23, 2011 15:21
BY PAM KETTERING
United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton
Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 11:07 PM CDT
Celebrate the coming of spring by paying tribute to St. Patrick today! Another sign of spring is sparkling smiles that can be accomplished by signing up tomorrow, Friday 18th, for the Delta Dental Smiles Mobile. The mobile dentist office will be in Yankton Monday, March 28 – Friday, April 1. Call 665-6766 for information about this free program for infants through age twenty-one.
The winter has been long and cold. There are definite hints that spring is edging closer. New plant life is growing as the frost leaves the ground. Spring can be an opportunity for each of us to seek new opportunities to enhance our lives. Volunteering may be just the solution.
There are large community events that need people to help in a number of capacities. An adult sharing time with children is always appreciated. Writing letters or reading the newspaper is a blessing to someone no longer able to perform those tasks. Storm windows need to be replaced with screens, yards need to be raked and grass needs to be cut. Gardens need to be planted, weeded, and produce picked. Litter can be collected. Homes can be built. Clothes and furniture can be donated. Pets can be adopted. The Banquet welcomes volunteers.
This is a very special year for the Yankton community. We are celebrating 150 years with a number of concerts and the Yankton Pageant occurring June 2 – 5. The weekend will be successful with people stepping up to help. Riverboat Days is possible due to the number of volunteers that put forth effort starting with the Board of Directors to the 2 hour volunteer segments of assisting at the information booth. National Field Archery Association has tournaments in April and July that welcome volunteers to enable smooth running events. Take a peek at the Chamber of Commerce’s website calendar. It is loaded with “what is happening in Yankton” events. Select one that you would like to attend - - - there may be a volunteer opportunity waiting for you!
Mentor or befriend a youth. Big Friend Little Friend has children ready to be matched with a caring adult. Southeast CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) will be seeking volunteers to assist abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings. Boys & Girls Club is a year-round program that relies on volunteers sharing their time and talents with the members.
The aging population in Yankton is growing. Some of our neighbors need a helping hand in order to remain in their homes. Taking chicken soup to an ailing senior or sharing a cup of tea would be greatly appreciated. Transportation is often very difficult for those no longer driving. Taking the elderly to the grocery store, bank, medical appointments and errands would be very beneficial.
Students of all ages could share their time and talents with the Keep Yankton Beautiful clean up events, animal shelter, an adult that needs assistance with their computers, watching a neighbors child, share their computer skills with a non-profit, job shadow a person, serve on a board of directors, organize life skills programs, volunteer at the community events, etc., etc.
This community has always and will continue to rely on each of us to step forward to share our time, talent and treasures. I challenge you to consider your interests and skills, look for ways to share them, and contact either the United Way office at 665-6766 or if you know who to contact, do so! Spring into action and make a difference in your life and that of others.
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