April is National Volunteer Month: Say Yes to Service

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca

When you volunteer, you are making a difference in the lives of others. One of the great things about volunteering is that there are so many ways to do it, in whatever capacity you are able to give of your time and talents.

National Volunteer Week started back in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Over the years it has grown to span the entire month of April.

Liberty Lutheran depends on the generosity and dedication of volunteers who “Say Yes to Service.” They are crucial in our efforts to provide vital resources for individuals and families facing life-changing situations in Pennsylvania. So far this fiscal year, more than 400 individuals have volunteered throughout the Liberty Family of Services.

“Volunteers have a profound impact on our programs,” says Amanda Beardall, Liberty’s Welcoming Communities Coordinator. “Our volunteers have increased our agency’s capacity to provide higher quality services to more individuals in need thanks to commitment and dedication of our volunteers.”

On the Martin Luther King Day of Service in January – an estimated 80 people gathered to paint Liberty’s Lutheran Children and Family Services offices in Roslyn, Montgomery County and in Conshohocken where they organized donated household goods that will be distributed to newly arrived refugee clients.

“We had an awesome turnout – churches, businesses, individuals,” says Jane Jorgensen who helped lead the Conshocken event. “The best part was that I was able to utilize the organized space to easily find some items for newly arrived families.

Shahein Rasoli was among the MLK Day of Service volunteers. “It was a pleasure to be involved with such a great group of individuals. I would enjoy working alongside of Liberty Lutheran at any moment necessary. A great relationship has been developed.”

There are so many opportunities to volunteer throughout the Liberty Family:

Refugees

Liberty’s Lutheran Children and Family Service, the largest provider of refugee services in Pennsylvania, is in need of congregational and community support as refugees start a new life here.

How you can help

• Work with a team to sponsor a newly arriving family.
• Collect/donate basic houshold goods and furniture.
• Donate funds for emergency housing.
• Volunteer to move furniture, help with transportation or set up an apartment.

 

Disaster Response and Preparedness

Liberty’s Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA is the agency designated by the ELCA to oversee disaster response and preparedness for 24 counties in Eastern Pennsylvania.

How you can help

• Collect cleaning supplies and organize a “Clean-up Buckets” event.
• Host a preparedness event or training for your community.
• Build volunteer teams willing to help with local disasters.

 

Seniors

At Liberty Lutheran seniors receive a wide range of services throughout the many stages of aging. Artman, Paul’s Run, and The Hearth at Drexel offer residents Independent and Assisted Living, Personal Care, Rehabilitation, Nursing and Hospice Care. Liberty’s Senior Community Services include The Becoming Center, The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, Liberty at Home and Hospice Care.

How you can help

• Assist with activities, special events or establish a long-term relationship with a senior.
• Youth and adult groups can participate in intergenerational activities.
• Senior Centers seek your expertise – teach a class or craft – share your talents with others.
• Provide companionship or respite care to a Hospice patient and family – special training is provided.

 

 Community Services

Liberty Lutheran supports individuals and families facing life-changing situations in communities throughout Pennsylvania. There are many ways you can volunteer at Liberty, providing valuable service to the community.

How you can help

• Participate in Christmas Ingathering events that collect donations for children and families in need.
• Participate in the Diaper Bank and organize a diaper donation drive, identifying food pantries in your area for diaper distribution, and retail stores that may donate or discount cases of damaged or returned diapers.
• Volunteer with The Share Our Surplus (SOS) Network that distributes a variety of non-perishable food and household items at no cost to families in need.
• Organize a drive to collect school supplies or winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves for children in need.

 

“These types of opportunities go a long way in bolstering staff as they strive each day to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities,” says Julia Menzo, Liberty’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.

Click here to learn more on how you can Say Yes to Service with Liberty!