Volunteer Duo Makes a Difference Through Videography

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Bob and Mary Ellen Dawley. Read their story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Bob Kovacs, a veteran of the technical side of television, decided to delve into the creative side upon his retirement. Mary Ellen Dawley had a varied career that finished with photography. Putting their artistic skills and imagination together, they started a YouTube channel. Today, they have almost 500 videos of wildlife and tutorials on things like car repair, maintenance and around-the-house explainers. Many are inspired by moments in their own lives they wish had come with instructions. 

In November 2023, the couple joined Volunteer Fairfax’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program-Northern Virginia (RSVP) as another way to enjoy creative pursuits while helping others. Not only do they lend a hand as regular volunteers—the organization matches older adults who want to volunteer with partner organizations with available roles—but they offer free video creation services to help RSVP and other nonprofits highlight their work and mission, raise money, attract volunteers, capture events, etc. Their service would otherwise be beyond many organizations’ budgets. With a passion for the art, Bob and Mary Ellen enjoy the work as much as recipients love the results.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative? 

Bob: I always hoped I could do something in video as a volunteer. I’m in good health, and I still think I can contribute. I have a skill society can use. 

Mary Ellen: Typically, a video requires more than one person, so I started helping out. When he retired, he wanted to do more, so I suggested we find a place to volunteer. We went to an event with 30 or 40 charitable organizations for seniors to volunteer with, and we offered to make videos. RSVP took us up on it and has connected us with other organizations. 

People are so appreciative, we always come away with a big smile. Sometimes the audience at an event will watch our video and applaud. Knowing we did that makes us feel good. 

Tell us about your volunteer role with Volunteer Fairfax’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program-Northern Virginia. 

Bob: I start by working with organizations to create scripts and refine the message. 

Mary Ellen: I help him shoot, but editing is up to him. He’ll sometimes say, “Look at what I’ve done so far,” and I’ll give feedback. 

Also, a couple years ago, I got a Cricut machine. Using software, you put in a pattern and it cuts it. I love paper art. RSVP does annual volunteer recognition events, and two years ago it was M&M-themed, so I made hundreds of paper ornaments. This year, I made paper flowers. 

We have monthly, two-hour Welcome Wednesday events where we have one or two projects we work on. We’ve made decorations, written Christmas cards, made sandwiches for distribution, etc. I help set things up, get other people in, coordinate…whatever they need. 

Bob: We go with 40 to 50 other people our age. That’s part of the reason for having them, to get people out of the house and in social situations. 

Mary Ellen: The past few times, they’ve set aside 45 minutes or so for a member learning experience. We did tai chi last time. 

Bob: We also like to go out and walk around the neighborhood, and we noticed a lot of litter on the streets. We figured we’d pick it up while we were out, and since then, we’ve made a career out of it. We’ve collected more than 1,100 grocery store-sized bags of trash in 5+ years. 

What are some other ways that your films have been used?

Bob: We made a video for the Shepherd Center they use to recruit volunteers. The Shepherd Center provides rides for older adults who can’t otherwise easily get to doctors’ appointments or go grocery shopping. They always need drivers. That video shows why and what happens during a trip. Another way people might use a video is to get donations. 

Mary Ellen: We’re working with a food bank right now to make online videos that show what each volunteer position entails. We did another video in Spanish for an organization with Spanish-speaking clientele. As a result of seeing it, another organization invited them to their event for the first time. They were very excited.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

Bob: First, I get to do a video that I’m proud of and that I think will make an impact. But the fact that people are so happy to have the product of what we do is a big reward.  

Why is it important to get involved with causes you care about? 

Bob: It needs to be done. It’s about being able to contribute to a better society. 

Mary Ellen: In many cases, if the volunteers weren’t doing it, it wouldn’t get done. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Bob: Just get started. It doesn’t take any skill to pick up your neighborhood trash. If you see a need, address it, or go to an organization, tell them about your skills and ask how you can help. 

Mary Ellen: RSVP is part of Volunteer Fairfax. Volunteer Fairfax has connections to places open to volunteers of all ages. You can look through a list of who needs what, any age restrictions, time commitment, etc.  There’s probably something like that in most places, where they can point to what’s available. And just try it. For most people, when you see the smile at the other end, it makes it worthwhile. 

Bob: There are so many things that need to be done. Keep trying until you find what you like the most. That’s what volunteering is all about. People are so happy you’re donating your time. They’re grateful in a way I almost never experienced as an employee. That was such a motivator for me. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

Bob: Whatever skill you enjoy, you can probably find a charity that would be delighted to put it to the best use.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Bob and Mary Ellen? Find local volunteer opportunities.