The volunteer spirit is alive and well

"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.” – Tom Brokaw

The challenge – from a dear friend – this week was to write something in acknowledgment of the volunteer spirit. (Easy for him to say!)

Americans are known worldwide for their volunteerism and generosity. Former U.S. presidents – see Jimmy Carter’s Atlanta Project for just one example – devote their senior years to helping those less fortunate receive an education as well as the more immediate needs of food, clothing, medicine, shelter, etc.

Volunteers are compassionate and kind. True volunteers also are selfless.

Highland County, like the rest of our great nation, has its share of volunteers.

For those of us who pay attention, well, we know many of these kind-hearted souls. We know about the South High Street restaurant owners who have done so much to help others. The young people they’ve employed. The veterans they have welcomed. The dollars they have donated. We know their names, too. And we thank them.

To be sure, there are others. In fact, in the past few years alone, our community has lost two of its greatest benefactors. One of them was named Ernie, and he used to live on East North Street. The other was named Bill, and he lived on Millers Chapel Road. Both men were veterans. And both understood that not everyone can make it alone.

HCP columnist Jim Thompson, irascible as he can be at times, is another one who gives back. Not only in dollars, but also in time and sweat equity.

Sometimes, we all need a helping hand. Plain and simple.

Richelle E. Goodrich said: “It's impossible to be involved in all situations, but there's no excuse not to be involved in something, somewhere, somehow, with someone. Make an ounce of difference.”

That’s good advice.

And think about this: Where would we be, as families and communities, without such charitable individuals?

In Highland County, I can easily name more than 100 individuals, churches, schools, businesses and civic organizations that have made positive differences for all of us. In fact, I work with some of them, and our South High Street neighbors are some of them. No doubt, your neighbors and you are some of them.

Thirty-five years ago, I went to work for two of our community’s most generous souls: Mr. and Mrs. Al Cassner.

Later, as a newspaper hack, I became aware of many more local people who gave so much to other causes. The late Mr. Glenn B. Fordyce (whose patented press folders I used to operate 72 hours a week at RFP, Inc.) was someone who gave so much, all without fanfare or publicity.

In the mid-1990s, I was shown a very sizable contribution from Mr. Fordyce to the Highland County Society for Children and Adults. I asked about taking a photograph and writing a story. My request was immediately rejected. To his credit, Mr. Fordyce did not want any acknowledgment of his generosity. I understood. (My parents' generosity through the years came to mind.)

Every society becomes a little bit better because of those who give selflessly in order to help their fellow man. Or, as Oscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

At last week’s meeting of the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Commission President Shane Wilkin announced that the 2015 43rd annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults will be Wednesday, March 25 at NCB Bank in Hillsboro. The telethon is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Hillsboro and Greenfield.

Mr. Wilkin encouraged the community to make a contribution to the annual fundraiser. Knowing Mr. Wilkin, I can assure you that his request on behalf of the local Rotarians is sincere. I also know that Mr. Wilkin – and all Rotarians in Hillsboro and Greenfield – are similarly generous to this worthy cause.

So is the dear friend who suggested this column. He’s been giving to this cause for more years than Mr. Wilkin has been alive. My guess is that Mr. Wilkin will be among those who continue this great service. In fact, I am certain that he – and others – will.

Let’s wrap this up with one final quote, this one from Prime Minister Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Indeed.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.