Military Spouse Commits to Service Helping New Military Families

Growing up in a military family 33-year-old Jessica Richardson understands all too well the struggles Military Families face when relocating. For the past 2 years, Jessica has volunteered at the Fort Leavenworth Army Community Services Program (ACS). At ACS Jessica, helps provide information, referrals and follow-up services on available resources at Fort Leavenworth to active and retired soldiers and their families. Jessica has also volunteered for special events such as the Christmas party for Exceptional Family members, the Run for the Fallen, the annual volunteer recognition ceremony, and more.

Jessica also served as the Village Mayor on Fort Leavenworth, serving as a liaison between the families that live in her neighborhood and the community leaders. This role ensures community members needs and concerns are resolved and ensures a higher quality of life for them.

Although Jessica and her family received orders to relocate to Germany this past July, she continues to assist ACS. Jessica helps share events and information to those families that will soon be making the move to Germany. Jessica is making a difference in her community and today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light Spoke with Jessica about her commitment to service.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I grew as a Navy Brat. My dad retired at 20 years (Navy). I remember not having much, and honestly, I didn’t know about all the programs that the Military offered to families until I was married to an Army Soldier. I am and have always been inspired by the dedication and love of Military members and their families. I have gained experience with being both a “Navy Brat” and “Army Spouse”. If I can help another family, I am beyond happy! Sharing information that Army Community Services is absolutely wonderful! They offer lots of classes such as resume building, financial readiness classes, infant massage, relocation and more. These programs are created to help the families, and I love helping the families. With PCS (Permanent Chance of Station) season, a lot of Soldiers come in for relocation. Many of them have kids, and Fort Leavenworth ACS’ relocation department has many resources for kids. The relocation department has books and coloring books for kids moving conus (continental U.S.) and oconus (outside continental U.S.). 

Secondly, my family inspires me to give of my time! My husband Adam ,my 5-year-old daughter Chloe, my parents, and in-laws have always supported and inspired me to do more for my community. Chloe will even attend events with me, and she loves it. I hope I can inspire her to volunteer and give back to the Military Community. 

Describe your volunteer role with Fort Leavenworth Army Community Service Programs (ACS).

Currently, I assist Fort Leavenworth ACS with information regarding oconus moves by emailing Employment and Relocation Readiness. Oconus means oversea moves, and this includes Europe, Asia or any other corner of the globe. I email information regarding moves to Germany. For example, Military members, their families, and civilians on post need an usareur driving license. This can be taken online, and it is good for 60 days. A lot of people coming over are new and they don’t know information like this! When I found out this information, I emailed the link and information regarding the license to Relocation Readiness. 

One of my favorite things to do is volunteer with Fort Leavenworth Army Community Services programs! It is never boring, because I’ve been able to work with many wonderful people and different programs.  Some of the roles I have been a part of are EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) Parties: Set up, decorating, refilling trays, helping families, taking pictures, and more. I have also helped with bowling events, setting up, break down, decorating for tea parties, taking photos at events. Front Desk: Filing, answering phones, fixing up the phone book (updating numbers), helping with numbers at the end of the month, placing welcome packets together. S.O.S.: Placing folders together, helping with their yearly run/walk, cutting fruit for the run, handing out t-shirts, and more!

No job is ever too small. I have enjoyed every minute, no matter the project, because everything I do helps the Military members and their families. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work are the smiles! I love giving back to the deserving Military members and their families. I grew up as a “Navy Brat”; my parents did not have a lot of money, and we were living paycheck to paycheck. Working with Fort Leavenworth’s ACS, I had the chance to work for the community. By setting up, cutting fruit, placing folders together, and more, all this adds to a Military member and their family. These families did not have to worry about bills or paying the bill for their family to go bowling for example. 

A Military member has to always focus on the mission, so for me, I focus on these deserving families. At the end of the day, these families are smiling and did not have to worry about anything, but enjoying each other. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I have learned a good bit from volunteering throughout the years. Number one, a project is never too small. Everything I have done helps the next member on the team! Number two, I have learned that I can always learn more! I may know a few things about the Military, but the Military is always changing. I am always open to learning and applying myself to be a better person for my community. 

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

A lot of new families and even seasoned families in the Military Community don’t know about ACS and their wonderful programs.  By giving my time, one family knows about Relocation, EFMP, and FAP (Family Advocacy Program) to a name a few. This family will in turn share the information with their neighbors and Family Readiness Groups. 

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I would love for people to learn from me that it doesn’t matter how small or big the project is! By placing folders together, answering phones, or breaking down a set up, I am making a difference in someone’s life, and you can too! If a person can give their time, you won’t regret it at all. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Jessica Richarson? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities. 

12-Year-Old Girl Supports Our Troops With Packages of Love

After listening to veterans speak at a school Veterans Day assembly, 12-year-old Graci Tubbs felt the need to support our military and let the men and women sacrificing their lives for us, know people back home cared about them. Graci started Operation: Military Matters in November 2015, as part of a school project. “The military men and women inspire me to volunteer. When I receive letters back about how much what I do means to them, it truly inspires me to keep going,” says Graci.

What began as a school project, simply collecting supplies from the community and sending care packages to the military overseas, has grown into a successful nonprofit. Today, Graci has contributed several hundred hours of volunteer time, raised more than $30,000 and shipped over 900 care packages. The care packages include things like toiletry items, snacks, hard candy, wipes, games, instant coffee, creamer, romen noodles, beef jerky, tuna or salmon packs, tea, hand lotion, socks, and each package costs $16.15 to ship.

The seventh grader has even been asked to speak to troops before they leave for deployment to help rally them and let them know they are supported back home. Graci also speaks to civic organizations to help raise money and awareness for our troops. People from all over the country have joined Graci in her efforts, including kids who are writing cards to send with the care packages.

Operation: Military Matters will participate in an event at St. Petersburg College, where Graci will have the opportunity to speak about her work, and meet with service members who have received care packages from the organization while deployed.

When asked she would want people to learn from her story Graci responds, “I want people to know that anyone can make a difference in the world no matter whether you are young or old, it can benefit so many people if we give back.” Graci is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Graci Tubbs? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Helping Veterans Heal with Support and Service Dogs

When Kathy Hecht’s father unexpectedly became legally blind, she and her family began to brainstorm creative sources of joy to help him cope with having more empty hours in the day. Kathy, who had rescued and trained dogs with her father while growing up, found the answer quickly: a retired Australian shepherd show dog named Eddie, who was no ordinary companion.

Eddie was not just her father’s service dog and loyal companion for more than 10 years, his presence was a transformative source of light to everyone. “Training Eddie was an incredible gift of love for my dad that was so personal and special,” said Kathy. She believes that a connection with animals can be a powerful healing tool for anyone, and she has proved this through Salute of Service, a nonprofit that seeks to help veterans train their own service dogs at no charge.  While working as an adjunct professor teaching animal science at the University of Maine Machias, Kathy received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to help disabled people through service dog programs. In time, veterans began to seek her out after hearing about the success of her program and knowing the impact Eddie had made in the life of her father, a veteran of the Korean War. She couldn’t let the opportunity to help these brave men and women pass by. “Our veterans have paid enough with their service, so we want to offer them this free training as a thank you,” said Kathy.

Motivated by statistics surrounding suicide rates for veterans, the idea of supporting their healing process with the help of service dogs was a no brainer. So she created Salute of Service, intentionally using the abbreviation S.O.S. to communicate the urgency of the help our veterans need.

After returning from deployment, veterans often feel both physically and psychologically wounded, and this has a huge effect on how they are able to interact with the world. Salute of Service’s training process has quickly become a large part of the healing process for the veterans who participate in the program. They are able to take ownership of training their dogs, and gain the skills and ability to fight feelings of isolation. Veterans can go to the movies, run errands and attend public events, feeling confident that their service dog will be by their side to support and help them.

“The benefits of involving veterans in the training process and providing them with the peer-to-peer support of the other veterans who have similar or shared history and experiences cannot be understated,” Kathy said.

Today, Salute of Service has graduated three classes of more than 30 veteran and service dog teams, and Kathy hopes that this year there will be close to 50 graduating teams. She runs three training classes each week, plus monthly weekend education and awareness events. Participating veterans can bring in their own dogs to be trained, or the organization will match them with a dog from a local humane society or breeder. When pairing a service dog team, she listens to each veteran with a warm heart, and considers what unique environments they like to spend their time in. From beaches to snowy terrains and everything in between, Kathy uses Salute of Service to pour love and support into the lives of the people who deserve nothing less. ­

To commemorate the organization’s first graduation class, and to honor her father, Kathy created a yearbook celebrating the stories of the veterans who participated. Each veteran received four pages of the book, showcasing how their service dog made a difference in their lives. There is no denying that Salute of Service breathes life into the community.

A year and a half ago, she saw firsthand the fruit of her hard work when a recently graduated service dog alerted community members after his owner had a seizure in a grocery store parking lot. “The dog’s behavior with the first responders, his behavior riding in the ambulance and the way he went into the hospital was absolutely exemplary,” Kathy said. “People couldn’t believe how wonderful he was.”

Kathy has turned her passion into a powerful tool of healing, and through that, she is changing lives. The organization is constantly seeking creative ways to fund its service dog and veteran teams, and Kathy is at the forefront of ensuring that the organization will always be around to give back to the community. Salute of Service is a beacon of humble love and leadership, and it’s not only a call to action – it’s a powerful legacy sparked from the memory of Kathy’s father, who recently passed away.

“I love what I do. I love that I am helping others to help themselves, and it is so rewarding to see these teams develop throughout their training,” she said. “They’ve already served our country. Giving back to them for the sacrifices they’ve already made is something I feel very strongly and passionately that we should all be doing.”

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Kathy Hecht? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Pre-Teen Girl Spreads Love and Joy to Seniors in Alabama Nursing Homes

Moody, Alabama 12-year-old resident, Emma Bishop, spends much of her free time with people much older than her. Emma started volunteering with Lifting Spirits of Senior Citizens when she was just nine years old. This nonprofit organization seeks to bring love and joy to the lives of elderly individuals living in nursing homes in the Pell City and Birmingham metro area.

In three years, Emma has made over 60 visits to local nursing homes and passed out thousands of gifts, homemade cookies and hugs. The pre-teen has even involved her school’s Junior Beta Club, where the kids made hundreds of cards to pass out to seniors for Valentine’s Day. Her visits, especially those during the holidays, and bright smile have brought joy to many seniors, some of which often do not have any visitors. Emma is making a difference in the lives of countless number of seniors and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Emma about her commitment to service.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I love making other people happy.  Working with Lifting Spirits lets me interact with the people that I’m helping, and I get to know them.  I’m excited to see them every time I visit.  I feel like I’ve made a lot of friends who just happen to be a lot older than me.

Describe your volunteer role.

When I visit nursing homes, I like to bake cookies to pass out.  I have made thousands of chocolate chip cookies!  Sometimes, I’ll bring flowers or cards that I have made.  I talked to my school’s Jr. Beta Club about Lifting Spirits, and they helped make hundreds of cards.  I love working with other youth volunteers.  The seniors really enjoy seeing kids, so I host young people who want to be involved.  It can be scary doing something like this for the first time, so I take them with me and show them what to do.  They have a really good time and always want to come back and do it again.  Some of my friends have gone back to their hometowns and found their own nursing homes to visit.

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

Definitely seeing their reactions.  I get a lot of hugs and have made a lot of people cry.  They’re usually happy tears, though.  It makes me feel really good for someone to say, “you don’t know how much his means to us.”  So many of them keep the cards and flowers that I give them, and that lets me know that what I’m doing really matters to them.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned that it’s important to put other people first and think about how they feel.  A lot of the people that I visit are just lonely and want to matter to someone.  I’m glad that I can give that to them, even if it’s just for a day.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

I’m hoping to host another ice cream social soon.  Those are a lot of fun, and it’s something I like to do in the summer.  I’ll bake cookies and make visits for Halloween and Thanksgiving, but my favorite is Christmas.  We have a goal to pass out 1,000 gifts this year, so that will be a lot of hard work.  Christmas is really fun, and the seniors love to see Santa!

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

I think volunteering can teach people important lessons.  It has taught me how to understand other people’s feelings, and put other people first.  Volunteering just feels good.  After I spend a whole day visiting nursing homes, I’m usually pretty tired.  But, I feel good knowing that I’ve put a lot of hard work into making so many people happy.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I’ve been volunteering with Lifting Spirits since I was nine years old.  I want people to know how easy this is to do.  It doesn’t take a lot of money, just a little work.  There are so many people living in nursing homes who never get visitors.  Just stop and think about how that feels.  Lifting Spirits is a way to really make a difference to someone who maybe needs a little love.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Emma Bishop? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Teen Boy Helps Deliver Comfort and Joy to Homeless Children in San Fransisco

For over ten years, 15 year-old Cole Robins has dedicated himself to helping homeless children in his hometown of San Francisco through Project Night Night. The organization provides Night Night Packages, which include an age-appropriate children’s book, a new security blanket, and a stuffed animal. 

These care packages help provide a source of security to children during a very difficult time in their lives.  Throughout the years Cole has been involved in many areas of the organization helping make it a success. Cole is making a difference for homeless children in his community and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light Spoke with Cole about his commitment to service. 

What inspires you to volunteer?

I grew up in a home where volunteering was both supported and encouraged. My parents encouraged us to get involved in causes we found interesting.  Sometimes we volunteered for causes that we did not find interesting, but needed to be done.  For example, I remember helping to pull weeds and cleanup discarded cigarette butts at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco one Saturday morning.  The man in charge of the volunteering group handed my sister and I a large 5 gallon plastic bucket with the challenge to “fill it up.”  Three hours later, we had 3/4 of the bucket filled with discarded cigarettes that otherwise would have littered the ground in San Francisco’s largest public park.

Describe your volunteer role with Project Night Night.

At Project Night Night I tackle a little bit of everything.  I help pick-up donations at the collection sites, sort and assess the blankets, books, and stuffed animals we received. I also assemble “Night Night Packages” for the homeless children the organization serves.  I often visit the shelters to deliver the completed Night Night Packages to their residents.  Most of the time, the delivery goes to the administrative office but once in a while, I am fortunate enough to hand the Night Night Packages out to the children directly.  It is an extraordinary feeling to give assistance to someone your own age.  In the last few years, I have been trained to use the accounting software at Project Night Night and to speak on behalf of the organization at small gatherings.  I have learned that working at a nonprofit requires you to dig-in, get it done, and do it with a smile.  Tens of thousands of kids count on Project Night Night, and I want to help ensure that we do not let anyone down.

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

After working at Project Night Night, I understand wholeheartedly that one person can make a difference.  What I do on my own, coupled with what everyone else who volunteers for the organization does, allows us to help an extraordinary number of kids each year.  Sometimes the work can feel small and singular on paper, but in practice, it is clear that giving your own time will 100% add value to your community.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Volunteering to me means being open-minded and available for anything.  Everyone at Project Night Night works to accomplish whatever tasks are in front of us that day.  No one is too good or too important to help.  I like the feeling that my contribution matters whether it is breaking-down boxes or learning about new accounting software.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

I am learning to code software, and I hope to create a program for Project Night Night to streamline some of their processes.  

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

I think there are a lot of pressures on people in everyday life.  To me, it’s important to take time out of your own routine and to put yourself into someone else’s if only for a few hours.  

What do you want people to learn from your story?

From my story, people can learn that you do not need to have any special skills to volunteer.  You need to just have a willingness to try something new.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Cole Robins? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

“Dynamic Duo” Brings Joy to Seniors Through Game of BINGO

For the past two years Greenville, South Carolina residents, Shannon Falon and Stephen Roe have brought joy to the patients and seniors of Providence Care through a simple game of BINGO. Lovingly referred to as the “Dynamic Duo” Shannon and Stephen spend time with residents doing the group’s favorite activity. “Residents shared how much it has lightened the load on their hearts and minds and gave them a regular activity to be totally engrossed in and all the while enjoying time shared with new and old friends,” says Amy Howard Volunteer and Intern coordinator at Providence Care. Many seniors are grieving over declining health and loss of independence, while others miss a once active life filled with family and friends. BINGO provides the residents with a fun and interactive activity that brings joy to their lives. Shannon and Stephen are making a difference in their community and are today’s Daily Point of Light Award honorees. Points of Light spoke with them about their commitment to service.

 What inspires you to volunteer?

Shannon: I am very fortunate and have a lot to be thankful for. Life is short and I hate to see anyone not enjoying life as much as possible. I think it’s important to volunteer with the elderly through Providence Care because companionship and a sense of community can help brighten someone’s day and help them to live their lives as joyously as possible.

Stephen: I started volunteering for Providence when I as a little down on myself and just wanted to feel like I was doing something.

Describe your volunteer role.

Shannon: Stephen and I visit with the residents and play BINGO with them.

Stephen: Not only does everyone love bingo, but when have you heard of anyone ever not enjoying it?

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Shannon: Learning about the residents’ lives. Many have lived amazing lives and have such interesting stories to share. They get a lot of joy from sharing their stories so just being there to listen and help put a smile on their face is very rewarding.

Stephen: At the end of our visits when we are thanked by everyone in the room for taking the time to come see them.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Shannon:Everyone needs help or someone to care at different times. We work with a lot of people who lived amazing, full lives, but many of them have lost many partners and friends. Companionship is so important, and if we’re lucky we’ll all live long and fulfilling lives with the ones we love. But one day anyone of us can find ourselves in a situation where we’re lonely and need someone to care and listen to us. Empathy is so important. We all need help at some time or another.

Stephen: People are people regardless of age and we all just want someone to sit next to or just to banter with, even if for a short time.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

Shannon: I’m excited to continue working with Providence Care and to get to know the residents better. I’m looking forward to celebrating the holidays.

Stephen: I just want to keep doing what we are doing, simple but extremely rewarding.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?

Shannon: I’m very fortunate. I’ve worked hard, but I’ve had a lot of help and legs up along the way. I think it’s important to recognize my success didn’t happen in a vacuum, and I need to show my gratitude through showing compassion and giving my time to those who haven’t been as fortunate.

Stephen: We all need help in one way or another at some, I hope someone will be there for me some day. So why not reap the benefits of feeling great to help or just entertain someone else. A smile can be priceless.  

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Shannon: Giving up a couple hours on a Saturday is a small price to pay, and means so much to the elderly that we visit and spend time with. I’ll never regret spending my time volunteering and giving of myself. It’s such a valuable, rewarding way to spend your time.

Stephen: Be there for someone else, if not for the obvious reasons but for what you can take away from the experience or even to be self-serving and feel great about what you did.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Stephen Roe and Shannon Falon? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Pennsylvanian Soccer Coach Donates Time to Help Local Youth

For the past three years, Allentown, Pennsylvania, resident Joel Arvelo has dedicated his time serving as coach of the Allentown Youth Soccer Club. In 2017, Joel logged in more than 1,200 volunteer hours with the nonprofit organization while working a full-time job as a forklift operator at C&S Wholesale Grocers, earning him the company’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Joel coached six different teams and over 75 inner city kids ranging from age 6 to 19. Continuing his commitment to the organization, Joel dedicates his time and personal resources to make sure that these young athletes succeed. His involvement as a mentor and role model helps benefit the local children on and off the field. They are developing their athletic skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork – skills that will last them a lifetime.

Joel is making a difference for youth in his community and is today’s Daily Point of Light honoree. Points of Light spoke to Joel about his commitment to service.  

What inspires you to volunteer?

My children are my inspiration. The passion that they have for the sport they love. The willingness to help others. Watching my kids grow in front of me is a blessing. I enjoy every second of it. I grew up without a father, so I’m going to make sure my kids don’t go through the thing I went through. Then you have the kids from the team… [It might be] their first time with a soccer ball and to see the joy in their eyes when they win a game and we celebrate together, or we lose a game and they fall and I have to pick them up and try again. You meet kids from different walks of life, different struggles, kids growing up with only one parent, sometimes with no food on the table… [You know] you have to do something, at least, through soccer and try to make a difference in their lives. That is my inspiration. 

Describe your volunteer role with Allentown Youth Soccer Club.

I am a coach with the Allentown Youth Soccer Club and I am also the vice president. I line the fields, pick up kids around town so they could go to practices and games. I have many other roles within the club – sometimes it’s difficult to find volunteers to help out. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work

Seeing these kids grow in front of my eyes, or when they tell me that they are going to college, or … they see me on the streets and they call me coach, and knowing I have touched their lives. And, to tell you the truth, they have changed mine.  

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

That hard work pays off. I see it through my kid’s achievements. They know if they work hard, they could go places. Not everything is colors or rainbows, but if you want something really bad nothing is impossible. The sky is the limit.  

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

Right now I’m coaching a U11 [Under 11] travel team that is coming from rec, and it is going to be a hard transition for them, more challenging, but I know they are going to do well. We have dreamed about winning a championship together, so they are working really hard so their dream comes true. 

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

We could only help so many people and I think if more people join and volunteer we could change the world. For me, this is bigger than soccer, bigger than any sport out there. These kids are our future. Future mayors or doctors, governors and, who knows, even a president, and that is why I think it’s important to give back. 

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to learn that with love, a little work, and dedication everything is possible.    

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Joel Arvelo? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

California Teen Starts Organization to Collect Much Needed Medical Supplies for Developing Countries.

Fascinated with the selfless humanitarian work of Doctors Without Borders, 17-year-old Mission Viejo, California, resident Mai Griffith decided she wanted to make a difference of her own. Mai founded Hearts for Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit which collects medical supplies and delivers them to developing countries in need. Mai works throughout the year to secure donations for Hearts for Hearts and has spent the last two summers delivering these supplies and volunteering at local clinics in Sri Lanka and Ghana. Mai is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Point of Light Spoke to Mai Griffith about her work and her commitment to service. 

What inspires you to volunteer?

I live a very fortunate life, and I feel that there a lot of people in the world that are not as lucky as I am for my health, family, and home. I have a big heart, and when I see all of the turmoil in the news, it isn’t possible for me to sit around and not do anything.

Describe your volunteer role with Hearts for Hearts Foundation:

I started the foundation, and I am the CEO. I organize supply drives for medical supplies, hold fundraisers, and bring the donations to the developing countries. When I deliver the donations, I stay for two or three weeks and volunteer in medical clinics, hospitals, and camps.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

It is hard to say only one thing that is the most rewarding, but I can give an example. Last year when I traveled to Ghana, we worked in leprosy camps. One week we visited a camp, and I cleaned and treated the wounds of multiple people recovering from leprosy. A week later, we went back to the same camp and I saw the improvement in their wounds from treating them. To me, that was the most powerful and rewarding part of my work because I was able to see that my help actually did make a difference, and I am capable of helping.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I have learned countless lessons including acceptance of everyone, compassion, and care for everyone. I have learned the importance of living a simple life and that love is the most important aspect of human existence.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

I recently partnered with Western Digital and Accurate Background both of which I am very excited for. Western Digital held a supply drive and provided 25 volunteers to assemble first aid kits that I brought with me to Sri Lanka in July. Accurate Background has committed to a medical supply drive in September. This type of support from the community makes an enormous difference in the ability to help others. Without this kind of support, it would be impossible.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back? 

I think it’s important because of how privileged everyone is even for a simple thing like their health. In my experience, you don’t need to have lots of money or things to give back, you just need love and desire for human connection.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people, especially kids, to learn that you are never too young to do the things you dream of and no matter how young you are, if you have a desire to help or make some kind of change, it can be done.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Mai Griffith? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Hawaiian Volunteer Makes Crafts for National Tropical Botanical Garden

Living in Hawaii, 70-year-old Margaret McGinty sees beauty in many corners of the tropical 50th state. Holding a special place in her heart, however, is the National Tropical Botanical Garden on the island of Kauai, where she is the lead member of the Oshibana Arts and Crafts group. 

Making a variety of crafts, the volunteers, many of them seniors, create pieces of beauty to help the not-for-profit conservation science and research organization fundraise at the gift shop and events. According the Margaret, a retired school teacher who says crafts have always been a part of her life, her volunteerism is a way to remain active, and tap into that passion for good, as the organization dedicates itself to discovering, saving and studying the world’s tropical plants, and sharing that knowledge. 

Margaret is making a difference in her community by empowering other senior volunteers like herself to stay active and social, while contributing to NTBG, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Margaret to learn more about her work with NTBG.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve always volunteered in very many things, it’s just part of what I do. I volunteer for NTBG and I also volunteer with other groups. I volunteer about 1,000 hours of my time annually, both at NTBG and at the local Kauai Humane Society. I am an active foster parent for kittens there.

Describe your volunteer role with National Tropical Botanical Garden.

I serve as the coordinator for our group of volunteers. I work together with the organization’s volunteer coordinator to maintain and administer the budget, and plan out when we will participate in craft fairs. I volunteer once a week at the NTBG, but sew my craft projects each day at home.

You’ve described yourself as a “green” person – how does that intersect with your service?

Years ago, when recycling first started, I would collect other things for people. I wanted to save the world. I like to be thrifty in the sense that I recycle and reuse. The garden and their mission is for the most part, aligned with those values as they are trying to save particular plants.

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

Pleasing the public by what we make and certainly, I like to please the volunteers we work with in our group. I really like it when they respond, and are enthusiastic about the projects we are working on. Since we sometimes have the opportunity to go out to the community with these craft fairs, and show off our work, those of us who are behind the table are representing the garden and its mission. We are proud to demonstrate what we are doing and share more about the gardens with the public.

What’s your favorite flower at NTBG?

The orchids (laughs). In Hawaii, we just have them out in the garden and they just grow beautifully. Anywhere else you live, the humidity and sunlight isn’t always ideal for them.

You sew each day. What’s your favorite craft that you’ve made?

It was the first project I ever made, and I still make the most of as opposed to any other craft. It’s a small jewelry bag that was unique in that nobody else had seen it. Our group makes a variety of crafts – not everyone sews. From hand-sewn baby balls, to beautiful pressed dried flower bookmarks, the group is incredibly talented.

Is there an upcoming event for NTBG that you are excited about?

We have our holiday craft fair in December on the garden grounds. Please check our website for more information: https://ntbg.org/.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I just enjoy it from day to day. I know I learn more each day.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

It’s so emotionally rewarding to be unselfish, and to think of others.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

If you have passions in your life and you happen to have a career that rewards them like I did in Special Ed, you certainly can transfer them to other areas. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d work in a botanical garden. But here I am.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Margaret McGinty? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Arizona Women Brings Comfort to Surgery Patients and Their Families In Their Time of Need

Payson, Arizona resident Clara Bernard once sat in a hospital waiting room for six hours waiting to hear news about her husband’s surgery. He had been moved to a room without anyone telling her. “I waited so long—it was agonizing!” she says. The now 77-year-old decided then that she wanted to be the person to provide others comfort during these difficult times.

For the last 11 years, Clara has volunteered in the surgery waiting room greeting patients and their families at Banner Payson Medical Center, a rural hospital in Arizona. Clara gives these patients angel pins, which she buys herself, before they go into surgery to help them feel at ease and lets them know that someone is watching over them. “The day she volunteers is always the busiest surgery day of the week,” says Jennifer Lawless, Banner Payson Medical Center volunteer coordinator. Clara gives out dozens of pins each week, helping scared patients relax.

In her free time, Clara knits matching caps and booties for newborn babies at the hospital and also makes stuffed animals for children to cuddle when going into surgery. In addition to volunteering in the surgery waiting room, Clara volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul food bank and at New Beginnings Pregnancy Center. When asked what the most important lesson that she has learned through volunteering is Clara responds, “Giving is better than receiving. I think it’s important for people to volunteer. It takes your mind off your own problems, and lets you know that you are contributing to something important. You are helping other people, and that’s a good thing.” 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Clara Bernard? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.