The Unsung Heroes

I've had the pleasure of serving on the board of directors of a charitable organization many years ago, and I found it to be a rewarding and enlightening experience. It was a cause I believed in, and I was willing to help in whatever way I could. I served with bankers, lawyers, businessmen and retired people. They all shared my passion for the organization and we worked well together.

I was recently asked to join another board for another cause I believe in and as I looked around the room at our first board meeting last night, it struck me how much kindness and generosity there is in this world. Everyone has a busy life, whether you are just starting out or retired from the working world. We all have families that would benefit by us spending more time with them. We all have places we'd probably rather be, whether a night out with friends or curled up on the couch with a good book. But something drives people to give up that time and volunteer it to help someone or something else.

For many, the sense of service comes from their religious beliefs. Still others, their political beliefs. But for some, there may be no easy explanation other than a desire to feel good at the end of the day.

The need is so great. Many of the non-profit organizations that help the neediest people operate on a shoestring. There is any number of ways to help, from answering phones, to organizing files, to planting flowers, to organizing fundraisers. Whatever your talents, most organizations will find a way to utilize them to the fullest.

I am so grateful for these people willing to give of themselves. They are the unsung heroes of this community and every other.