Springfield Regional Arts Council

Seeking the selfless

Thursday, January 25, 2007

The need for volunteers is growing in the community, especially with the results of the ice storm, and area businesses are anxious for the help

Sony Hocklander
News-leader
Published January 23 2007

Volunteerism is nothing new in the Ozarks, and opportunities abound for nearly every taste and time commitment. With the start of a new year —and new need, given the ice storm — it's a good time to consider what more we can do in our community.

Hospitals, arts and education organizations, social services, schools and more require a healthy fleet of committed volunteers.

"We truly could not do as much as we do without that volunteer help," says Shirley McDonald, community relations and volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army.

And when a crisis strikes, "it's really nice to have a group of people you can call on, because you never know when that's going to happen," McDonald says.

With additional people needing shelter, the Salvation Army could use more help, says McDonald. Unfortunately, agencies like theirs won't use drop-ins who haven't filled out proper paperwork.

"Because we have children in the building, everyone needs to go through a background check," she says. "It's a nuisance, but it's a necessity."

The process takes two to four weeks. (In limited circumstances, volunteers might start under supervision and away from kids before papers clear.)

That's why McDonald hopes after this crisis, more will join their volunteer pool for disaster relief. And they always need people to help children during after-school programs, summer camps or basketball; to work in the food pantry or to help the family shelter.

"We work with the volunteers and try to put them in an area of their interest, where they feel their talents are being met," says McDonald.

Volunteering is satisfying, say those who do it.

"I like the people contact that I have here in the office," says Grace Wright, the Thursday volunteer supervisor for the south-side Meals On Wheels.

"I was a teacher, and I miss being able to interact and help people. I like this as a way to give back to the community."

Meals On Wheels volunteers can drive a regular route or substitute.

"We could use a longer list of substitutes," says Wright.

Loy Swanson, a retired music teacher, drives a route. She also performs at a rehabilitation center and "adopted" a woman to help who lives in a nursing home.

"I do it because it's a community service, and I feel there is a need for this," says Swanson. "And I have a need to do it."

Volunteering is flexible, say area coordinators. You can help out in small doses, such as during holidays or be on-call. Or commit to something long term.

Margaret Geiger coordinates the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at Council of Churches of the Ozarks. She primarily helps seniors find volunteer positions, though she'll make suggestions to anyone who calls.

Many enjoy working with the Council of Churches' Book Buddy program in which volunteers read to children in the schools, she says. Others are matched with community groups.

Volunteering keeps people active, says Geiger: "They are healthier and have a better mental attitude."

Schools and other agencies serving children often need helpers. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield's after-school programs have people work with kids on homework, reading or special activities.

"We have someone from the Junior League who called to say she wanted to teach knitting. We have a lady who is blind who teaches Braille," says Cindy Dodson, college scholarship and outreach director.

Volunteers aren't locked into a schedule, Dodson says: "It's an open-door policy once they complete the paperwork."

Dodson would like to see more adults become meal-time buddies at dinnertime. And she would like more volunteers to think long term.

"Our staff changes frequently. Things change so much in the kids' lives, and they like to know that same person is coming," she says.

Jerri Flikkema, director of the auxiliary volunteer services for St. John's Hospital, says their volunteers are vital. They transport patients through the building, deliver mail and flowers, do clerical work, answer phones, run the gift shop and more. Some read to children on the pediatric floor.

Active volunteers -- ages 14 to seniors —commit to at least four hours a week.

"Anyone is welcome to apply," says Flikkema.

Interested in arts or educational organizations? Libraries, the Discovery Center, Wonders of Wildlife and Springfield-Greene County Park Board facilities, such as the Dickerson Park Zoo, use volunteers.

Springfield Little Theatre and Vandivort Center Theatre need ushers. They also rely on volunteers to help paint scenery, work backstage and do clerical work.

Springfield Art Museum is calling for volunteer docents to start a 10-week training session in February.

Springfield Regional Arts Council is working toward a database of volunteers for it and other arts groups with needs, says education director Addy McCord.

SRAC can use help with clerical work and its free art programs. Plus, says McCord: "we always need volunteers for our festivals."