April 18th thru 24th was National Volunteer Week, which is an annual observance recognizing volunteers providing vital support in their communities. Additionally, the week encourages more people to consider volunteering. National Volunteer Week was established in 1974, by President Richard Nixon, now many countries worldwide have joined in. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities. Today, as people strive to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Volunteers provide all three. Service — the act of looking out for one another — is part of who we are as a Nation. Our commitment to service reflects our understanding that we can best meet our challenges when we join together. This week, we recognize the enduring contributions of our Nation’s volunteers and encourage more Americans to join their ranks.
The tremendous power of volunteers and volunteerism has been on dramatic display in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All across the country, retired doctors and nurses, students and veterans, personnel from across the county, and countless others have given their time and talent to, staff vaccination centers, boost testing, tracing, and other life-saving public health measures, and provide food, water, and other necessities to those at heightened risk so they can remain safely at home.
Volunteers of all ages and walks of life have stepped forward in other ways to meet this moment. America have given help and hope by checking on isolated seniors, helping the jobless, and tutoring students to help them stay on track in school. Their compassion reminds us that even in our darkest hours, Americans look out for one another. When more Americans step forward to serve, it renews our sense of community and strengthens our resiliency. Acts of service unite people from different backgrounds and allow us to truly see and hear one another. By helping others, volunteers also help themselves. They learn new skills, expand their professional networks, connect with neighbors, and experience the satisfaction that comes from serving a larger cause. Service can provide a pathway to employment, education, and other career-building opportunities. During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the millions of Americans who volunteer and encourage more to follow their path. Every American has something to give. No matter your age, background, or where you come from, you can have an impact through service.
The first individual has been a fixture as someone making kids young in age to those adults young at heart, as. Dan Howell has played good old St. Nick for years. But there is far more that Dan has done for Paulding County then people realize. Just in the past year as fair board president he has been instrumental in the monthly Food Bank Distribution, with providing the fairgrounds and the facilities for the hundreds of families, obtaining much needed food. Taking the lead on the restoration of the grandstand, by organizing funding through donations and grants. Dan Howell is someone that reflects volunteerism with our youth especially. His years as a 4-H and FFA parent and advisor exemplifies service to others.
The second individual has worked hard most of his adult life and since he retired a few years ago, Guy Dasher has worked harder than he ever expected, with his involvement as the President of the Fall Flatrock Festival and as a Fair board member. Guy, is one of those individuals that you give him a task, he goes above and beyond to see it through completion. His leadership in the Fall Flatrock Festival has ran into a bump in the road with the Pandemic, but he made lemonade out of lemons, with a food fest at the fairgrounds and with the help of others in four other communities within the county, the weekend of the fall festival. When help was needed with the monthly food bank distribution, whether it was hot and humid or cold and snowing out Guy was there.
These two men are just two of the many people that live in Paulding County and volunteer their time and energy making life better for the young and old alike. We THANK YOU ALL, for your willingness to volunteer yourself and your time.
