The blessings of volunteering
To the editor:
In January of 2011, I stepped out of my car at Walmart in Presque Isle. It was a crisp morning. Something didn’t feel right; something had changed. I realized the bell ringers were gone; it seemed quiet and lonely without them. A new year had begun.
With a five-hour daily wait, I wondered what I would do with my time. I decided to call the R.S.V.P. coordinator in my Oakfield area to see if, by any chance, she knew anyone in Presque Isle and if volunteers were needed anywhere up there. She told me to find Rebecca Legassie. When I found Rebecca, told her who I was, that I would like to volunteer, I will never forget how excited she was! She took me immediately to a place where volunteers were needed, introduced me, and what a match the facility and I became!
I loved it there and volunteered from January until June. Those people became some special people to me and still are today. Some fond memories are learning one German word a day, making Aloha loaf and homemade cookies, British Sterling, amazing Mike and being treated with such kindness.
My sister in Missouri always said she wished she had the time to volunteer that I did. I told her to make time once and she would always find time after that. Sure enough, my sister and brother-in-law are now addicted to volunteering. They both feel better and have expanded in what they do because it is so rewarding.
I would encourage anyone to make time once. Find Rebecca Legassie (764-3396) in the Presque Isle area. Find Margaret Kimball (498-6453) in the Caribou area. Find Connie Michaud (834-5159) in the St. John Valley area. Find me (757-8355) in the southern Aroostook area.
There are many opportunities to make a difference. Loneliness exists when bell ringers are around or not. Needs are all around us. A few minutes of your time can change someone’s day, but mostly yours. Don’t focus on what you can’t do, but on what you can do. Volunteering is fun, with a guarantee.
Bonnie Pratt
Oakfield
