Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.
Wikipedia – Volunteering

When Terri and I talked about topics for guest hosting Sunday Stills for two weeks, cats and volunteering stood out as ones to which I could relate. Thank you Terri for trusting me with your wonderful challenge.
Volunteering
We have been blessed by the huge number of health workers who have dedicated their time in giving COVID 19 shots all over the country.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”
Sherry Anderson

People generously volunteer to help in recent tragedies, weather crises, animal over population, reading and math tutors, museum docents, food service preparation serving and clean-up, road and park clean-up, and even blogging volunteers can serve the global community. In every facet of today’s society there is room for volunteers.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
What organizations, projects, or calls for help have you responded to?
Next week Terri will be back at the helm after having no internet during her move. We are all anxious to know how she is doing and how her new home looks. This week, I hope you will tell us how you are doing and what you do for others. Here is my story.
Volunteering in Woodlake, CA
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Audrey Hepburn
When I retired I joined Woodlake Kiwanis and the Woodlake Chamber of Commerce. I stayed in Kiwanis for the long haul and felt that I could make a greater positive impact on the community as part of a like-minded group than on my own. Kiwanis operates for the good of children and the community and fit my goals in life. I am still a distance member.

Kiwanis had several signature projects but they also collaborate with other organizations and our regional division to support the community. Our two biggest projects during COVID was to care for the Woodlake Rose Garden and to help the Woodlake Food Pantry distribute food.

Roses take about 90 hours of care per bush to keep them healthy. The Woodlake Rose garden has over 1,500 bushes. The City of Woodlake has 7,000 people, several parks, and about 31 employees in total including the City Manager, Fire Chief and Police Chief. Having a manicured rose garden was not high on any employee’s list of priorities.
County Supervisor Eddie Valero Kiwanis Lt. Governor Terry Thompson Kiwanis member – Family Community Service Kiwanis member Martha Hense Kiwanis members Woodlake City Employees Woodlake student Woodlake student Kiwanis members Kiwanis member and Master Gardener, Laura Manser instructs students
One of our Kiwanians masterminded the volunteer care of the garden. It was brilliant. After hearing him speak, about six organizations volunteered with us to assist the City of Woodlake. Especially active, are the Master Gardeners, from who we learned so much about rose care.

Even though Kiwanis didn’t run the food pantry many of our members played a huge role in its success. Kiwanis in Woodlake always has projects that require students to help. The organization believes that community service develops their character and resume. Students always had a first-hand glimpse at life.
Keeping Busy and Young All Year Long
The galleries below show some of our many of our activities past and present.
Let’s do this! Tiny drivers hang on! A tiny car for a tiny person to drive. Hold on for dear life!
Kiwanis eventually abandoned the Soap Box Derby because of lack of participation, due to after school sports programs. Kiwanis then joined forces with the City of Woodlake to provide different kinds of after-school support for kids.
Support for City Youth Sports Kiwanis Bike Rodeo
Other organizations sometimes hired our catering services which gave us funds for scholarships and enabled Kiwanis to provide services and events like our July 3rd Blast at no cost to the public.
Seeds of Love Banquet student server Seeds of Love Banquet – Tulare County Woodlake Awards Presentation Woodlake Awards Ceremony July 3rd Blast Kid Zone July 3rd Blast Fundraiser for Woodlake Food Pantry Toys for Joy store for low-income parents to pick out gifts and have them wrapped at no cost
Thanks to everyone who joined Sunday Stills: Respect the Cat
Forgive me if I missed your post. It’s probably best to post a link in the comment section as well. Pingbacks are not always reliable. Thanks again for joining in Sunday Stills while Terri’s been gone. 🙂