We have the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that you can give yourself and share with others… turn Valentine’s Day into Volunteer Day. There are tons of one time opportunities that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and the face of others.
Feel the love with these ideas:
Honor deploying/returning service men and women with the Pease Greeters.
Check out Create the GoodToolkits and spend some time with a neighbor or loved one and complete a medication record or help them make their home more energy efficient.
Whether you’re a volunteer or a volunteer manager – saying Thank You for a job well done is so important — makes us feel that our efforts are appreciated.
How you can say thank you – If you would like to recognize a volunteer, nominate them for one of many volunteer awards with Volunteer NH – there are monthly awards and of course the Spirit Award for Volunteer of the Year. This year’s recipient of the Spirit Award is Captain Edmund Johnson of the Pease Greeters – his story is truly an inspiring tale. He will be a guest on Volunteers in Action that will air in February. You can learn more about him, the hundreds of volunteers and the program by visiting the website - Pease Greeters.
Disney has another way to say THANK YOU this year – GIVE A DAY, GET A DAY to Disney World. The website has all the details on how you can not only make a difference in your community – but take advantage of this very generous offer.
To all you volunteers, volunteer managers and advocates for community service, there is no doubt that your contributions make our world a better place- MERCI BEAUCOUP!
Whether you’re involved with a particular program or have adopted a child to mentor in your neighborhood, we salute you! It only takes a few hours a week to really make a difference in someone’s life. Here in NH, there are so many opportunities – see our earlier post for ideas to get you started.
Comment from Paula Ferenc, Circle Program Program Director
The Circle Program is celebrating National Mentoring Month by honoring one of our Concord mentors, Nancy Nolin, with a tea this Sunday. Nancy has served as a mentor for us for the past five years. She has engaged her girls not only with fun activities like skating, snowshoeing, scrapbook making and cooking but also in community service projects. One of her girls shares: “I have stayed with the Circle Program so long because I have done a lot of things I wouldn’t have been able to do outside the program such as helping others and making so many friends. My mentor Nancy and I have done a lot of fun things together and I am glad that I was able to build a close relationship with someone like her.”
Making a difference, one child at a time.
The Circle Program has girls waiting to participate in the program, they are in need of mentors in the Concord Area.
If you know of a mentor that you would like to recognize on iParticipateNH, please post your comments. Also, if you would like to highlight a volunteer on Volunteers in Action, please contact me at sprague.deborah@gmail.com.
Have you ever met someone whose inner light shines from the inside out? I recently met such a person, Capt. Ed Johnson is a retired Marine and decorated Korean War Veteran and is the founder of the Pease Greeters. Capt. Ed was awarded the Spirit Award from Governor John Lynch back in November for his program and the impact it has made to thousands of troops either returning from a tour of duty or deploying. The Greeters have been doing their thing since 2005 at the Pease Air Terminal in Portsmouth, NH. The group has been recognized with all sorts of awards and was even invited by President George W. Bush to be honored at the White House.
I reached out to Capt. Ed to invite him to be a guest on Volunteers in Action and he in turn invited me to participate as the Greeters welcomed home its 326th Flight, a U.S. Marine Battalion returning from Iraq. First – I would highly recommend that everyone participate at least once, put the politics aside – this is about the human connection, AND bring your Kleenex. Probably the most touching part of the day for me was the introduction that Capt. Ed provided to all of us “first-timers”. He told stories from past flights and with each story his eyes tear up and his throat tightens….my eyes tear up and throat tightens; I knew then that this was going to be an emotional day. I could not help but think about the troops preparing to land, they had no idea what was in store for them – and they didn’t!
I was so engrossed in Capt. Ed’s story telling that I didn’t realize that over 200 Greeters had arrived. The Greeters have the routine down pat, it’s a well oiled machine; coffee/donuts – check! flags/buttons – check! music/camera – check! Each flight has three components: the Gauntlet, the Reception and the Closing Ceremonies. As the plane landed everyone was in their places, lining up to create the Gauntlet. The troops are welcomed with music, waving flags, claps, smiles, fist pumps and hugs and kisses. The Greeters mingle with the troops and provide refreshments and conversation for about an hour before the closing ceremonies. I should also mention that there is a phone bank where the troops can call their family –free of charge. The Greeters pride themselves on the fact that the troops don’t have to spend any money on this layover.
This connecting flight is like no other and as Capt. Ed had said many times during his talk, “we are all family” – that is exactly how you feel once you participate.
Visit the Pease Greeter website to learn more about the program, watch video and most importantly to see the latest flight times.
Happiness is being apart of something good. Today I was apart of something really, really good! Tim and Kirsten did their day of service at the NH Food Bank putting together bags of food that will be part of the Backpack Program for kids. Their enthusiasm and passion for The Civic Projects is evident, when I arrived to help out they had already put over 100 bags together - they are a great team!
The NH Food Bank is always looking for volunteers and food donations, visit their website to learn how you can support this amazing state-wide organization.
Look for Tim and Kirsten on WMUR tonight on the evening news and stay tuned for more on their very excellent adventure!
iParticipateNH is proud to support The Civic Projects in their journey traveling to 50 states, in 50 days, to do 50 community service projects. Concord TV’s Volunteers in Action interviewed Tim Malcolm and Kirsten L’Orange, watch the streaming video to learn more about this inspiring couple.
We challenge you to 1 day, 2 days, 5 days or more of community service in the next 50 days and make the journey with Tim and Kirsten right here in NH. iParticipateNH will provide similar community service projects that can be done right here in your own backyard.
Tim and Kirsten start their journey today in Vermont working with the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports program.
Follow in their footsteps here in NH, check out the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities website: Adapative Ski Programs in NH for People with Disabilities. Many new innovations in adaptive ski equipment have enabled people with a variety of disabilities to enjoy the thrill of skiing. Several Ski NH resorts offer adaptive equipment and adaptive skiing instruction programs. Volunteer and help someone enjoy a new sport!!
Tomorrow, Tim and Kirsten will be at the NH Food Bank in Manchester and we’ll be there to work side by side and wish them well on their journey. To see their journey, visit their blog.
Come along for the ride New Hampshire! Don’t forget to share your comments with us, we’re taking this journey together.
According to Wikipedia, a New Year’s resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.
What could be more advantageous that making a resolution to serve in your community a little more. Helping others is a popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution. Volunteerism can take many forms; whether you choose to spend time helping out at a food bank,mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.
Take the first step today – visit Volunteer NH to see where your passions align with some really great opportunities. Also check out the NH Center for Non Profits listing of non-profit organizations; many of these have volunteer opportunities that may not yet be listed on the Volunteer NH website. Need some help? Send an email to sprague.deborah@gmail.com and I’ll help you find an opportunity that meets what you’re looking for.
A story in New Hampshire Magazine (December 2009) written by Karen Jamrog calls to attention the many good deeds that seniors do everyday. Karen skillfully profiles four volunteers who quietly do good on a regular basis .
Volunteers profiled include:
The Healer: Susan Higgins and Filipe (a Shetland pony) who volunteers with Personal Ponies and UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center in Goffstown and brings smiles to the faces of hundreds in area nursing homes.
TheSerendipitous Ambassador: Kathleen Hurburt started a clothing drive and has donated 350 pounds of clothing to children in Africa.
The Sparkplug: Leo Glasheen Jr. serves in many capacities throughout the Granite State from welcoming visitors to NH at area Information Centers to volunteering with Breathe NH - he never stops.
The Coach: Jim Tufts leads efforts for the Special Olympics on the Seacoast and recruits and trains high school students to accompany athletes in competition.
Pick up an issue of New Hampshire Magazine to learn more about these amazing and inspiring seniors making a difference. Thanks Karen for a great story!
Do you want to make a difference but just don’t know where to start? Visit our Partner Page and click on VolunteerNH or Senior Corps.
Creating the Good is so easy with these DIY toolkits! You can:
Stop hunger in the U.S. by feeding one family at a time.
Help friends, family, and neighbors conserve energy by sharing a checklist of tips.Educate yourself and others on the risk of consumer fraud and learn ways to minimize the incidence of fraud.
Click here to learn more and watch great HOW TO VIDEOS and find your way of creating the good.
When we hear the story of a World War II veteran who finally tells his emotional story at the WWII Memorial, after years of keeping it deep inside, because of volunteers who made the experience possible – it inspires us.
When we hear of the story of a young girl whose life is changed in a very positive way because of the mentor who shares her time and talents – it inspires us.
Inspire others with your stories of service. Share your story here and on Facebook.
Concord TV’s – Volunteers in Action is dedicated to capturing and sharing stories of service.
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