Serves You Right

I think I was 13 the first time I walked into United Way's building on Reading Road.

I wasn't the organization's youngest intern, and I wasn't beginning my career as an 8th grader.

No, I was seeking out a volunteer opportunity as part of a confirmation obligation.

My mom took me to the "Community Chest" building, as it was called back in the day, to meet with someone who could place me with an assignment that fit our family's schedule and availability. After all, someone had to drive me to this mythical volunteer opportunity, right?

This was a commitment for my parents just as much as it was for me.

My recollection is hazy, but I remember sitting in a staff member's cube (it's killing me that I can't remember who it was, but then again, I was 13) for about 15 minutes or so, then leaving with an assignment at a senior center/nursing home facility in Montgomery.

My first day was scary - I had never really interacted with adults without my parents, and I wasn't quite as confident on my own. I also was a bit uneasy about seeing some of the seniors who needed more care. I didn't know how to communicate with them, and I wasn't sure if they wanted to communicate with me.

Over time, I really enjoyed the experience - making crafts and singing songs with the residents. I also loved it when they told me jokes or let me wheel their chairs to their rooms for them.

Truth be told, I was also a big fan of spending a couple bucks on soda and candy at the nursing home's vending machines.

The experience was my first foray in volunteering, and it helped me realize how important it is to give back what you can.

For me, it's time.

Twenty years later, a good chunk of my personal life is dedicated to voluntarism. Just last night, I spent a couple hours singing Christmas carols, stringing lights on a tree and enjoying cupcakes with children staying at a local battered women's shelter. While the moms joined us for the festivities, they all insisted the occasion was a way for the children to have a fun holiday moment in light of personal difficulty.

"Thanks for coming here and letting the kids have a nice evening," said one mom to me as another woman's baby sat in her lap, complete with rosy cheeks.

That's all the thanks I really need when volunteering. In fact, I don't really need any thanks. I'd much prefer a quality, one-on-one moment with an individual with whom I can pay my blessings forward.

And maybe a trip to the vending machine.

$2.84 - the Worst Cup of Coffee I Ever Had

In an effort to keep warm during this week's blast of cold air, I stopped for a coffee at a local drive thru on my way back to the office from an early morning meeting. A busy local drive thru on the edge of one of our community's most challenged neighborhoods.

The drive thru line was long and I was in a hurry, so I pulled into a parking space to take my chances inside. As I left my car I noticed a young man standing just to the right of the drive thru line. He was near a large panel truck taking up more than one parking space, so I figured perhaps he was there to make sure the line would break and allow the driver the ability to maneuver the truck out of the space. Smart.

Inside, I found a shorter line and a merry staff -- the snow flurries and biting winds were obviously good for business. Folks in front of me were buying breakfast pastries and fancy lattes. A bit of a coffee snob myself, I wasn't sure this place could make a good latte, so I was planning on ordering their version of a red eye -- coffee with a shot of espresso.

I rationalized the extra cost for the espresso was well worth it, paid the $2.84 with my debit card and headed back outside, hot drink in hand.

Before I got back to the car I heard someone call 'ma'am, excuse me ma'am'. I hate being called ma'am -- that's my mom, not me. But I turned and found it was the boy by the truck calling me.

'I hate to bother you, but could you spare any change? I'd like a cup of coffee.'

Ten different thoughts ran through my head as I formulated my reply: He must be cold. Oh, he's not with the truck. Wow, smart place to seek spare change. I don't have any change. I could tell him to call 2-1-1. If he has a phone?

That was probably the worst cup of coffee I ever had.

United Way 211 reached 100,000 calls from folks in Greater Cincinnati just a few weeks back. That's more than ever in one year and the year's not over yet. Help with food, shelter, utility assistance -- it's all just a call away. Or check out the resources online at www.uwgc.org/211

A Family In Need

ProKids families are often helped by church groups or other individuals during the Holidays. However, the organization has one family whose need is so great that they are asking the entire community for assistance.

It is a family of 8 children who need the basics -- shoes, coats, laundry detergent and other personal products.

If you would like to join with others to help this family, please contact Sandi Cook (Holiday Giving Coordinator and Volunteer Extraordinaire) at sandi.prokids@gmail.com or 702-4733 for more information.

Volunteer for the Holidays - Sign Up Now!

The holidays are a great time to volunteer. Many people are on vacaton from work and school, and brightening the day of someone who needs it is a wonderful way to use some of that time while giving back to the community. But wait too long to sign up and the opportunity could be filled. I once found myself in a city away from my family, unable to get home for the holidays, and got rejected from helping out at all the places I called because I had waited too long.

Below are a few December 25 ideas to check out from United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s special holiday edition of the Volunteer and Go Guide. Be sure to check the Guide or the contact listed below for more information, including any minimum age/minor accompaniment requirements:

• Help prepare, set up and serve the meal and clean up. Call ahead to sign up.

- Feast of Love Ministries, 45224. Contact: Karen Lane, 513-541-5676.
- Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky, Covington, 41011. Contact: Lucinda Groves, 859-431-1077 or lgroves@mhanky.org.
- Our Daily Bread, 45202. Contact: Kathy Ray, 513-621-6364 or kathy@ourdailybread.us.

• Deliver a hot turkey dinner with flowers to an older adult who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. The visit is just as important as the meal, if not more so. Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, 45239. Contact: Karen D’Alessandro, 513-542-7555 or kdalessandro.cin@littlebrothers.org.

If you miss out on an opportunity on the big day itself, consider other holiday volunteer ideas. These include helping out with the toy train exhibit at Behringer Crawford Museum, Covington, 41011; holiday preparations, FreestoreFoodbank, 45202; Holiday in Lights, Hamilton County Park District, 45231; gift wrapping, Holly Hill Children's Home, California, KY, 41007; holiday party, St. Joseph Orphanage, 45239; Toy Shop (45202) or Red Kettle Campaign (various locations), The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati; sleigh drivers, stocking elves, Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc., Covington, 41011.

But why stop with the holidays? Your time and talents are needed year-round. Help out as a tutor or mentor for youth, prepare taxes to help hardworking families, spend time with an older adult, and more. Search the quarterly Volunteer and Go Guide to check out the United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s The Volunteer Connection’s secure searchable database or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1) to find the right opportunity for you.

Walk the Talk for Your Children - Volunteer Now

At this time of year, lots of parents think about getting their young children involved in volunteering. And, while the holidays can be an excellent time to start, don’t worry if you miss this opportunity in December. You can walk this talk any time of year.

My own parents set the tone for me, volunteering at church and school events. I got involved in my local community as a young teen and continued through high school. Then after a break and once my child was in kindergarten, I decided it was time to get back to giving back and start setting an example.

I also wanted my only-child to experience life from the viewpoint that it wasn’t always about just him. I chose an area of interest – literacy tutoring – and found myself at the library every Monday night. If, for some reason, my husband was not available at home, the kid came along with his own books, crayons, etc. I continued as a volunteer and eventually became a Court Appointed Special Advocate with ProKids for children in the juvenile court system for abuse and neglect.

The result? As a teen, my son became involved as a volunteer at the YMCA. As a college student, he spent a spring break in New Orleans cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina and then served a year in AmeriCorps following graduation. As a grad student, he has chosen a school in a city far from home so that he can be more involved as a volunteer around climate issues. And he could end up in the Peace Corps one day. So yes, your example will likely create a lasting impression on your children and a sense of passion for issues that concern them. You just may end up amazed at the direction it leads and proud of the passion you have instilled.

Looking for volunteer ideas that fit your interests? Visit www.uwgc.org/volunteer or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1).

The Holiday Spirit Over The Telephone Line

The holidays can be hard.

Between the parties and the gifts and the implied obligations and the expenses - the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas sometimes carry an undue burden.

And don't even get me started on the stress of all the family togetherness.

I've come to know lots of people who are coping with hardship this holiday season. These friends have either lost their jobs in the crippled economy or have taken significant pay cuts in a move to keep the family afloat.

Whenever these people tell me about their struggles, I am quick to tell them about United Way 211. Whether you need help paying your utility bill, or are looking for a volunteer opportunity to pad your resume while in transition, this help line is a great resource for folks in need.

My other favorite part of 211 is how this number is a great place to turn if you're feeling the warm fuzzies during the holiday season and searching for an opportunity to give back. The call specialists on the other end of the line have hundreds of volunteer opportunities at their fingertips. Looking to mentor a child? Have a desire to roll up your sleeves and put some sweat equity into a home for a family becoming first time homeowners? 211 can pair you with a volunteer opportunity that meets your desires and availability.

How's that for spreading the Christmas Spirit?