RISD REPORT Allen Sanders RISD Community Relations Director
It’s easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, kids, and activities.
One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service.
One great way to feel a part of the Rockdale community is to take part in the recent Earth Day event.
We had a number of high school students involved in the citywide clean up, and the opportunity to help make this event successful was very rewarding to them.
This is one easy way to plan an community service activity with your family, and enjoy the time together and give back to our community.
Why lend a helping hand?
• It feels good. The satisfaction and pride that comes from helping others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless.
• It strengthens your community. Organizations and agencies that use volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need them.
• It can strengthen your family. Volunteering is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. But it can be hard to find the time to volunteer. Select one or two projects and make them a tradition.
• It fosters a sense of responsibility. Students learn what it means to make and keep a commitment. They learn we’re all responsible for the well-being of our communities.
• It teaches one person can make a difference. A wonderful, empowering message for students is that they’re important enough to have an impact.
• It shows the benefit of sacrifice. By giving up a toy to a less fortunate child, a child learns that sometimes it’s good to sacrifice and that there are important things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.
• It develops tolerance. Working in community service can bring students in touch with people of different backgrounds. They’ll learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values.
• Community service can help young people decide on their future careers.
• It shows how to fill idle time wisely. If you aren’t involved in traditional after-school activities, community service can be a wonderful alternative.
The Internet offers lots of sites with information about volunteer opportunities. You can also call a favorite charity, hospital, or church directly to see if they have any needs.
When looking for a volunteer position, remember that it may be difficult to find the perfect volunteer slot.
Families can do many volunteer jobs. Even the smallest child (with adult supervision) can pick up garbage at the park, playground, or beach. You don’t even have to be part of a big effort to do this. Or become involved in repair and renovation efforts for low-income residents. Younger kids might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush or holding the nails involves them just the same. Work at Rockdale Heavenly Treasures Thrift Store or Christian Services Food Pantry as a family. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels or Senior Citizens that serves the elderly to take food to people who are homebound and visit with them. Your kids can brighten a lonely senior’s day instantly. Help plant flowers or trees. The possibilities are endless.
REMEMBERING—It was a busy weekend for descendants of the late Leon and Billie Noack at the Kay Theatre. Friday, which was Arbor Day, they participated in the dedication by Linwood Acres Garden Club of a live oak tree in honor of Billie Noack outside the Rockdale showpiece. On Sunday, family members returned to unveil a plaque honoring supporters of the Kay’s restoration effort. From left, Alan Noack, Natalie Noack, Shiloh Doehring, Vernie Doehring. The Noack family donated the building and the land to the Kay Theatre Foundation for restoration. For more on Sunday’s ceremony, see pages 1A and 4C.
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