Volunteer, it will always be worth it

My oldest child was about 11 or 12 the year I decided to skip Christmas.

As a single mom, I gave him all I could, but of course, there were times I could not. One year in particular, he had seemingly become less grateful for the things I had been able to provide, as so many are at this age.

Video games and game consoles were the big ticket items and if you weren’t getting the new Xbox for Christmas you must have landed on the naughty list.

I wasn’t sure what I needed to do to make him understand how truly fortunate we were, but I knew that I wanted him to appreciate what he had, what I had provided for us as best I could, even if it wasn’t all he had hoped for.

I decided we would both benefit from giving back, so I contacted the homeless shelter here in Poplar Bluff and asked them what we needed to do to volunteer on Christmas. They were more than happy to oblige.

During our volunteer time, we handed out plates and drinks for the majority of the afternoon to many smiling faces, people who were genuinely happy and grateful to have a hot meal on Christmas. My son happily helped, but somehow I still knew it had not hit home for him.

It was almost time to go. We had spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon serving and we were helping clean up plates when I heard my son’s little voice from behind me, “That is my friend mom — that is my friend from school. I didn’t know they wouldn’t have stuff to eat.”

His friend rushed over to proudly show him the one Christmas gift he had received. I watched as reality finally registered with my young child. The lesson I was trying to teach him had at last hit home.

Giving your time to volunteer is something everyone should do. Volunteering does not just bless those who are being helped, it will bless those who volunteer even more.

When you take the time to be selfless and help others the reward you get is incomparable.

There are many organizations right here in Poplar Bluff that would love to have help from those in the community. This year, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and help someone else, volunteer. Be the change. It will always be worth it.

Misty DeJournett is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at mdejournett.dar@gmail.com.