Fostering the gift of time, talent
Jeff Hunt
The Hawk Eye - Web Edition
Sep 30, 2010
Fostering the gift of time, talent
MOUNT PLEASANT - "How can we help those in need?"
Getting a better answer to this question was the chief reason people gathered at the First United Methodist Church Tuesday. People were invited to learn about ServeNext, a new organization formed to help volunteers with their community efforts.
"We're calling this Servicefest. This is one of nine events going on nationwide marking the ServeNext's field initiative," said Monie Hayes, ServeNext representative, after she welcomed people to the event. "We are starting in nine cities. Mount Pleasant is the only small town included."
Hayes said the event establishes a network of local activists in each community. The evening was a sort of mixer - a chance for people in and around Mount Pleasant interested in volunteering to get to know each other and discuss goals.
"I heard about the meeting and I was interested, but I thought it was aimed more toward younger people," said Beryl Shahan, a retiree and former city council member. "Monie told me it was for all ages though."
Shahan already logs many hours of volunteer work.
"I am currently serving on the Healthy Henry County Community board," Shahan said. "I am also mentoring a student in middle school. I also walk with my blind neighbor."
Jerry Naylor, another retiree, also attended. He directed a service learning course at Iowa Wesleyan College for more than 26 years. He came to the meeting to learn about the program.
"Monie told me this is a brand new organization and wanted people with a background, interest or knowledge in this type of work," he said. "This is what I've been doing since I retired."
Dave Helman of Salem came to the meeting with his wife after being invited by Hayes.
"(Monie) told me about this organization and the focus on volunteerism," Helman said. "I think we need more of it. I'm here to learn what the program is about.
I believe the more volunteerism we have, the better off we are, particularly during hard economic times. People who are doing well and prospering can step forward and help those who are not."
People interested in volunteering with ServeNext can e-mail Hayes at mhayes@servenext.org.