The potential to turn a life around
"Too often we under-estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
- Dr. Felice Leonardo Buscaglia
There are many opportunities for you to bring a smile and offer a kind word to people in our community. Every day volunteers are changing lives by giving their time and showing compassion to those around them. Our Volunteer Center at United Way is a great way to get connected to opportunities and make a difference.
Volunteer spotlight
Bringing smiles to people's faces and offering an encouraging word, Terry Hannon does more than hand out food when he volunteers at the food bank. "I enjoy seeing the look on people's faces when you are able to fulfill a need they have," said Hannon. "I like to offer some encouragement... something positive to bring a smile to their face."
Terry Hannon has been a devoted volunteer for the Lake City Community Food Bank since the day it opened. Hannon volunteers at the food bank each week unloading the trucks and handing out food. "He is a favorite of all the kids, he always has a treat for them and a story for us," said Joyce Dexter, Food Bank Manager.
Hannon started volunteering years ago when he was practicing law. He would take on cases at no charge for those who needed his services but could not afford it. After retiring he has continued to use his legal expertise by volunteering with Legal Link at the St. Vincent de Paul Help Center.
"Volunteering is really self-satisfying," Hannon said. "It takes the focus off me and allows me to see others ... to look outward." Hannon's love for people is clear through the simple ways he shows kindness to those he helps. He recognizes that helping others helps him too. "The more you volunteer, the more you are helping and the better you feel," Hannon said.
Hannon encourages others to volunteer. He said, "Whatever you can do to lighten the load of fellow volunteers and to ease the problems some people face - there is plenty of room for you to step out and say, how can you use me?"
Volunteer opportunity
Canteen/Host volunteers needed
The Inland Northwest Blood Center is in need of canteen hosts. The canteen host provides refreshments to blood donors as a thank you for the precious gift of life they have just given. They serve the donors, answer questions, and take care of the donor's needs until the donor leaves the canteen area. Canteen hosts must be 18 or older, pass a criminal background check and commit to a minimum of 30 hours of service per year. Contact Selina Worley, Volunteer Coordinator, (800) 423-0151 Ext. 4179
To find out more about more volunteer opportunities visit United Way's Volunteer Center www.kootenaiunitedway.org or (208) 667-8112.