July 4, 2014

Letters to the Editor

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Volunteers needed during summer, too

Summer seems to be a difficult time to get volunteers. At the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, we tend to get a lot of help in November, December and January. People seem to forget that services they support need help all year, especially in the summer months.

Many private and public schools require students to complete a certain number of hours of service per semester. Perhaps more emphasis needs to be placed on ongoing service-learning, not simply meeting the hours requirement.

I encourage youths to continue their service by volunteering this summer, and college students home for the summer as well. Can you give a few hours to your neighbors in need as thanksgiving for your blessings?

The managers of charitable facilities certainly understand that folks want to enjoy summer weather, especially after a rather brutal winter. Like many of you, all of our regular volunteers have family and social commitments for weddings, graduations, reunions, vacations, etc., many occurring in the summer months.

Unfortunately, hungry and needy people depend on charity for basic needs year round. Can you help relieve their burden—and give those who regularly volunteer some help, too?

I encourage you to take some time this summer to volunteer at your favorite charity. Even if you can only squeeze in an hour or two, the time is much appreciated by clients, staff and volunteers.

Let’s take a break from the “selfie” world and embrace the physical, spiritual and emotional JOY (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third) of a year-round commitment to helping our fellow man.

- Don Striegel | St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Indianapolis

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