Volunteerism

Volunteerism has a long tradition in the United States: from neighbors helping neighbors, to parents coaching their children’s sports teams, to retirees volunteering their time to help a local nonprofit organization fulfill their mission.

The need for volunteers to help in our community continues to grow, and there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone.

The Corporation for National and Community Service reported that one in four Americans volunteered through an organization, and three in five helped their neighbors in 2014.

Most people who want to volunteer find it a difficult search, mostly because they are not sure of what they want to do, what needs currently exist and if they can offer enough time.

Greater Cleveland Volunteers, a nonprofit in Cuyahoga County, enriches the community and individuals through volunteer service. They work one-on-one with anyone who wants to find out more about volunteering in Cuyahoga County.

THE TIME ISSUE

Many people feel they don’t have enough time to devote to volunteering, says Joy Banish, GCV’s executive director.

“Our agency partners with more than 100 nonprofit agencies in Cuyahoga County. We are finding there are many one-day and short-term volunteer opportunities. This fits nicely in someone’s schedule that is not able to make an ongoing commitment.”

She adds that there also are volunteer jobs that people can do at home.

Generally people aren’t sure that their time can make a difference — it does.

“Assisting at local food pantries is so uplifting. I know the agency needs help, and I’m there for them,” says volunteer Walter Reddick, who was placed through Greater Cleveland Volunteers.

When someone is not sure of what they want to do, many end up surfing the web.

Randy Helbert knew he wanted to help others, so he started looking online.

“When I was in grade school, it was discovered that I had a hearing impairment,” Helbert says.

They won’t be cheered by thousands or earn millions. They give, not take. Their work is behind the scenes. They cut hair. They mend band uniforms. They encourage young children to read and frail adults to walk.

Meet a few people over 50 who are changing our area.

CLEVELAND AMBASSADOR Leroy Wilson Jr.

Leroy is a super volunteer — and he has an award to prove it. The 2016 recipient of the David F. Leahy Award for Volunteer Excellence by Greater Cleveland Volunteers, he is an ambassador at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport where he directs visitors and offers information to them, and he delivers meals to homebound people through the Southeast Clergy Meals on Wheels. He also serves on their board of directors.

Leroy says he found out about volunteer opportunities through GCV and that his life has been enriched because he can help others in need.

A ROCKER FINDS A HOME

Elaine Minch

Elaine is a long-time rock ’n’ roll fan. After retiring as a pharmacy technician, she began volunteering for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

“My family owned and operated the Rollerdrome, a roller skating rink in Euclid, and during those days, rising musicians would be booked with Bill Randle and his Cavalcade of Stars. They would perform live, sign autographs and mingle with the crowds at the rink,” she says.

Elaine also volunteers at the Rock Hall Library and Archives at Cuyahoga Community College, where she catalogs donated vinyl record collections for the Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts at Cuyahoga Community College Metropolitan Campus.

A TUTOR WITH A PURPOSE

Elva Fosh

Elva helps students read and achieve as a literacy tutor/team leader and literacy booster for Greater Cleveland Volunteers in the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program. She’s backed implementation of projects across grade levels with slight modifications that challenge higher-performing students.