|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted on July 14, 2011 12:59
Community Connections: Becoming A Hero: It Only Takes One ...
BY PAM KETTERING
Yankton Area United Way
Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 1:12 AM CDT
Remember the advertisement of “Uncle Sam” pointing his finger directly at the reader asking for select volunteers that could meet tough standards? People answered that call, met the standards and accomplished heroic tasks.
Picture that same request with children pointing their fingers at you and asking for a little of your dedicated time. Envision frail elderly pointing their fingers at you asking you to help with minor maintenance jobs. Visualize individuals with disabilities asking you to expand their social opportunities. Imagine flood water advancing toward your home and there is no one to call for help.
Consider your typical week. If you sleep an average of eight hours, that leaves approximately 112 waking hours in a week. Of those 112 hours, would there be one or two hours that could be shared with a “friend that you have not yet met”? Heroic deeds can be accomplished in that amount of time.
Children need the attention of caring adults. They need support systems. Besides parents, they need coaches, teachers, neighbors and grandparents - authority figures to encourage, support, endorse and love them. The time for a HERO to answer the call is when the support system has a deficiency in role models. Matching interests and schedules of the mentor and the child are necessities for a successful relationship. More importantly, however, is the friendship that develops between the two. While the adult shares time, wisdom, experiences, interests and listening skills, they also gain life views through the eyes of a child. Big Friend-Little Friend offers opportunities for HEROES.
Living independently is sometimes an overwhelming obstacle for our elderly neighbors. Sometimes it is as simple as changing a light bulb, fixing a broken step, caulking a window, stopping a leak, mowing a lawn, mending a screen or weather stripping a door. Male or female, tall or short, neighboring HEROES are needed to answer the call for these tasks.
Sharing time with a person with disabilities can offer opportunities beyond all expectations. Imagine living alone in an apartment, family is far away, holidays are spent alone, and hours are empty. As you go out into the community you observe people eating together, shopping together, talking and laughing together. Enter your HERO that shares time with you at a Connections social event. The picnic, dance, Halloween party, or other activity builds relationships with HEROES that are willing to give their time, talents and hearts to another.
American Red Cross needs HEROES to answer disaster situations. With the waters rising toward homes and businesses, there is no time for procrastination. Many HEROES were needed and may still be needed. The Contact Center needs HEROES to donate food for the Food Pantry. The Clothing Closet needs HEROES to donate their gently used clothing of all sizes to help clothe infants to adults.
It only takes one person to be a HERO in another’s eyes. Consider taking that step to become a HERO. After all, someone may have been a HERO for you. Call United Way & Volunteer Services at 665-6766 to connect to heroic opportunities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|