Answering the Call

In this day when it feels like finding common ground on anything is a near impossibility, an insurmountable mountain to climb, if one looks close enough, with an eye out for searching opportunities to be part of something not associated with one’s ideological or political allegiances, there in plain sight are the volunteer organizations. These groups' main purpose and objective is to serve the needs of others, and in some instances those of animals, and those needs are many, spanning a wide spectrum of circumstances that brought about the necessity of assistance.

The people who organize, maintain and tirelessly devote their time and energy to address these needs, are people who have the ability to clearly see and understand a need, and they couple that insight with problem solving skills in order to formulate a means to render the appropriate aid and assistance. The ranks of volunteer organizations are comprised of diverse groups of people that reflect the constituency of the communities where they live, and they share a common commitment to do what they can to provide comfort, healing, understanding and support to causes that are important to them. Volunteers do not expect praise or material rewards of any kind, but they are due our respect, recognition and gratitude.

So, are you part of a volunteer organization? Have you always wanted to get involved but weren’t certain you had anything to contribute, that you needed to possess a specific skill set to be of value to a particular volunteer group?  Well let’s dispel that misconception here and now. With the myriad and variety of volunteer organizations within the Onslow County area, there are a multitude of opportunities by which to contribute. Are you interested in assisting those who are presently serving in the military or those veterans that are now disabled having served their country with honor and distinction? Do you want to help someone learn how to read or obtain a vocation skill? How about taking part in helping shape the lives of at-risk or parentless youth? If sports is your thing, help support Special Olympics athletes. Be a nature preservation advocate, or lend your efforts to stem family violence, child abuse and animal cruelty. Volunteer at a food bank or food pantry. Contact the Red Cross. Turkey Creek Fire & Rescue would welcome your application.

There are organizations that provide safe havens for dogs in risk of being euthanized or in need of foster homes, there are those that rescue horses, help returning injured or distressed sea turtles back to the sea or guard a sea turtle nest and witness the wonder of a turtle hatchling “boil”.  We are fortunate to be the home of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. You can provide company for the elderly and for those in hospice care. And the list of opportunities goes on and on. Locally, the Sneads Ferry Community Council (SFCC), the group that annually conducts the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival, is always in need of volunteers as they perform additional activities besides the shrimp festival, engage in charity related events, and take on the responsibilities associated with the upkeep and maintenance of the Sneads Ferry Community Center grounds and structures. Like myself prior to attending a SFCC festival planning meeting, festival attendees are probably not aware of the month’s long effort involved in addressing every aspect of staging this annual communal event. Simply reading the Shrimp Festival Committee’s “to do” list is exhausting.  And not to be lost in what the SFCC does, don’t forget that the community center can be rented out for any variety of activities.

Perhaps after reading this, you will consider answering the call and volunteering with an organization of your choice. I know that finding the time to volunteer is challenging given the demands associated with one’s day to day family, work and other responsibilities. Volunteer organizations are appreciative of any time that you can give them, because those minutes and hours taken collectively accumulate and bolster their efforts. And the satisfaction that one can derive from volunteering is immeasurable and long lasting. 

Here is an online address that lists volunteer organizations near Sneads Ferry: https://www.volunteermatch.org. This list is in no way inclusive, but it gives you an insight of the extent of volunteer options in this area. Thank you for considering joining with others in selfless service to very worthwhile causes. And to all the current volunteers who are already devoting their time and energies in service to the spirit of volunteerism, let’s extend to them our heartfelt gratitude, admiration and support.