I complained about having no shoes until I met a man with no feet.
My Mom would use that old adage when I'd whine about not having this or that (and not just when I was a kid).
This holiday season concludes a year that has been fraught with fear and an especially sluggish economy. Many people remain out of work and/or their homes. Needless to say, there are countless Americans worse off than us.
Call me preachy if you insist. However I don't think it's too much to ask you to give during this last quarter of 2010--not just a check (if you have the $), or items you no longer want/need, but of your time. An hour, or two or three, is not an exorbitant amount in the span of a lifetime. And regardless of your own problems, you might just feel (at least a little) better afterwards.
I know what volunteer work has done for me. Over the years my own stints have included volunteering at a rehabilitation hospital and for an arts organization. I've found that old line--about getting back more than you give--to be true.
Not sure where to volunteer? Pick a cause. There's a multitude of good ones. Where do you think you could help the most? A hospital? A nursing home? A theater troupe? A soup kitchen? A shelter? A church? Or, drop off your used clothes and other items.
If you don't know where to begin, call the Reference desk at: 847-376-2841. Or, email us at:
ReferenceServicesDesk@dppl.org
If you want to do your own research, check our Web site, http://www.dppl.org/. Look for: How do I ... in the right-hand corner, click, and go to the bottom line--Volunteer at the library/in Des Plaines... One good cause in town is the Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry of Des Plaines at 600 E. Algonquin Road, phone: 847-375-1443.
For other ideas, you can peruse the Web. Other good links include:
http://www.volunteerinfo.net/
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.donate.goodwill.org/
http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/
You may not bump into a man, woman or child with no feet this holiday season, but there are plenty of people out there with no shoes. Or ones that are falling apart. Literally.
Posted by Reference Assistant Gwen LaCosse
1 comment:
Hey Gwen, thanks for the reminder. We have so much and often forget to give. I remember complaining when the company I used to work for "made" us do community service projects like installing drywall with Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up with the residents of Little City, or volunteering at Bethlehem Food Pantry. We complained, but because we did it with a group of our co-workers, it usually ended up being fun and rewarding. So maybe, if someone doesn't feel like doing something on their own, get together with a few friends. If nothing else you'll laugh, cry, and above all, feel good about yourself.
Post a Comment
Please leave your comments and suggestions here. Thanks!
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.