Ann Talarek, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
As the volunteer engagement coordinator at SHIM, I think about serving the community often. Today we celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I am heartened to share my thoughts on volunteering. As Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Giving back to your community is a wonderful feeling. You get a sense that you are making it stronger by helping those in need and providing a welcoming environment. I have been volunteering for most of my adult life. Volunteering your time and energy to an organization or cause that is important to you gives an immense feeling of satisfaction that you are doing good for your community.
We’re lucky to have an amazing volunteer base here at SHIM. Last year, over 300 volunteers dedicated more than 15,000 hours to helping others. Whether they were driving our truck to pick up food at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, growing food in one of our community gardens, or helping kids from foreign-born families with their homework, they are a vital piece of our workforce. Our volunteers feel that they are making a positive impact on those we serve.
If you’re thinking about getting involved in volunteering, I think the most important thing to do is to find out what interests you so that you can use your time and talents in an environment that suits you. One of the misconceptions I hear is that only certain kinds of people are suitable for volunteering. For example, food pantry volunteers need to be able to lift 50 pounds. While we certainly appreciate our heavy-lifting volunteers, we have a number of volunteers who do fewer physical tasks. Whether you love to talk on the phone or prefer to sit quietly at a computer doing data entry, we have volunteer opportunities that fit different needs. We have volunteers that prefer data entry, some that prefer direct client contact, or more physical activities like food distribution or working in the community gardens. I love helping people find the right fit!
Every day, our volunteers amaze me with their kindness and dedication. Every SHIM volunteer contributes in so many ways. I am inspired by their dedication and commitment to helping others, along with their positive energy and the fact that they choose to spend their valuable time and skills to help us help South Hills neighbors in need.
On the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, I feel especially appreciative of the generosity of our volunteers. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always ripe to do right.”
Join us! www.shimcares.org/volunteer
