by Kathleen M. Muldoon
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When I lived in Pennsylvania, I attended a large church where most folks knew only the people who sat near them. Still, I couldn’t help but notice three teenage girls who always sat in the front pew. One reason they stood out was because most kids sat in back or up in the choir loft. The other reason was because all three girls had Down syndrome.
One Saturday I brought something to the church office and I saw one of the girls sitting at a table in the workroom. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked the secretary about her.
“That’s Charlene,” she said. “She’s one of my volunteers. She comes every Saturday and folds the church bulletins-all 1,400 of them!” She went on to tell me that Charlene lived in a group home with the other two girls and that all three worked at Goodwill.
The next day when the usher handed me a bulletin, it seemed more special to me. I’d never thought about how those bulletins got folded so neatly.When I saw Charlene and her roommates file into the front pew, I felt a stab of guilt. I’m sure that she felt much more a part of that church than I did. Yes, I gave an offering each Sunday, but I gave nothing of my time.
With Charlene as my role model, I began to seek opportunities to volunteer, not only at church but in the community. True, my physical disability made it necessary for me to recognize what I could and could not do. Still, Charlene didn’t let her limitations keep her from volunteering and I wasn’t about to let mine.
Wow! I soon realized that there are volunteer opportunities out there for everyone regardless of age or physical and mental challenges. In Pennsylvania and now in Texas, I’ve found oodles of organizations and events that needed volunteers like myself. I love the feeling I get knowing that I am contributing to good causes. Another benefit of volunteering is that I meet great people along the way.
Most of my physically challenged friends also volunteer, including my friend Faye, who has a deep compassion for homeless animals. Despite her wheelchair, she volunteers at our area’s animal control shelter. Her letters to the editor advocating the humane treatment of animals appear frequently in our local newspaper. That’s something we can do-write letters!
Another friend, Sally, was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident. She identified as her talent her wonderful speaking voice. Do you know what she did? She volunteered to read and tape books for the blind. What a great gift of her time!
Perhaps you’ve heard of Alexandra Scott? She didn’t let her young age keep her from raising money for research so other children might not suffer from cancer as she did. You might know her better as “Alex” who started Alex’s Lemonade Stands. From the age of 4 until her death at 8, she raised over a million dollars. Awesome!
I’d like to hear about some awesome ways that you volunteer your time. Your ideas might help other readers get started. In a short paragraph, describe your volunteer work. Tell how you got started and what you do. Email it to action@unitedspinal.org or mail it to:
KIDS IN ACTION
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
Watch future issues of Action for some new ways that you can give the gift of your time and talents. Until then, look for organizations in your community that are just waiting for you to call.
Kathleen M. Muldoon is a children’s book author and writing instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.
