A Volunteering Spirit
By Kurt Huizinga
Arlington Heights is a town with great civic pride, community spirit, and ongoing respect for the citizens whose labors have made the community what it is today. Through active participation and volunteering, Arlington Heights residents give back to the people whose efforts have helped shape this great community, and this holiday season is the perfect time to lend a helping hand to members of your community, and share your holiday cheer with others.
Arlington Heights has always been filled with community pride, and residents are willing to go the extra mile to improve the already outstanding community. The Volunteer Center of Northwest Chicago, a not-for-profit agency located in Arlington Heights, has been matching up prospective volunteers of all ages and walks of life with opportunities for service with local agencies and school districts since 1969.
Its mission is to enrich lives through community volunteerism in various areas, including helping those in need by serving in food pantries, homeless shelters, read-to-learn and ESL programs, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, resale shops, homeless shelters, and conservation and homeland defense agencies.
“The need for volunteers and assistance for those in need is critical throughout the entire year, but it is especially important during the holidays,” says Lyn Kearns, Community Representative for The Volunteer Center. Though the holidays tend to paint a cozy picture of comfort and togetherness, there are some people for whom the holidays are less felicitous. Volunteers can have an enormous impact on less fortunate individuals, and pass their own good fortune on to the community.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Northern Cook and Northern DuPage counties is one program sponsored by The Volunteer Center. RSVP is dedicated to providing senior
citizens, age 55 or better, with opportunities to use the skills they have developed during a lifetime by staying involved in meaningful volunteer work in their communities.
One of over 750 projects located in all 50 states, RSVP allows volunteers to give their time, talent, wisdom, and experience to their communities and neighbors, while adding to volunteers’ quality of life, with new friendships and numerous ways to stay active and involved.
Among the individuals and organizations who appreciate Arlington Heights’ charitable works is local Lutheran Home & Services, a qualified healthcare and retirement community. Lutheran Home provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere for its residents, who require assisted living, nursing rehabilitation, or care for memory loss. Volunteers who choose to aid Lutheran Home make valuable contributions to its residents as well as the community as a whole, and in turn gain gratifying experience.
Volunteers add a great deal to the comfort that Lutheran Home residents value. After first receiving a tour, orientation, and any necessary training, volunteers are ensured that their work will be fun as well as helpful. Opportunities include acting as a greeter or receptionist, assisting in the general store, helping residents with crafts and activities, or just spending quality time with a friendly elder.
During this holiday season, take time to celebrate the holiday spirit by volunteering. Contact Lutheran Home & Services at (847) 368-7483 or bborchers@luhome.org.
The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago also has information regarding organizations that are requesting donations and volunteer help to bring holiday cheer to children, seniors, families and others in need. To find out how you, your company, or organization can help, call The Volunteer Center at 847-228-1320, or check its website www.volunteerinfo.net.
