Volunteerism and community service go hand in hand in making a difference with the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland and in life, agree Harley Stilwell and Chris Rushin.
Stilwell is the club’s 2003 Youth of the Year and Rushin is the chief executive officer.
“Club has shown me I have the potential to do great things, no matter how big or small,” said Stilwell, who has been a member for 12 years. “One of the great things they say I can do is make a difference in my community. Community service not only helps support our community but also boosts self-esteem and self-confidence, which is something anyone could use.”
This year, the Daily American Republic gave $7,600 to Boys and Girls Club as the charity it chose to support through Difference Makers.
“The Daily American Republic is proud to support an organization that is making such a difference in the lives of youth not only in Poplar Bluff, but across our region,” said Publisher Chris Pruett. “This is a group that offers children a safe place after school, a meal, help with homework and enrichment activities. And as they grow into teens, it provides support in entering higher education or workforce training.
“It is a group that is making our communities stronger with every generation served.”
It also teaches its members the value of giving back to the community and volunteerism through its many projects, Pruett said.
The club provides many service opportunities, Stilwell said, when speaking before the approximately 450 people who attended Thursday night.
“They make it a priority to show their members even the smallest job can have the biggest impact on the community,” Stilwell said. “I have participated in many of these activities and not only was it fun, but I also made many memories.
“Reading to the elementary students showed me I have a passion for helping others and teaching. I helped my community and learned more about myself. I think that’s priceless. Thank you all so much for your support and thanks to you, we can help our community and members make many more memories.”
Stilwell could not have said it better, Rushin shared.
The community projects are not only about making a difference, but how it makes the students feel, he said.
When an organization does what the Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland does and at this scale, Rushin said, “You better believe we know the importance of volunteers and the difference they can make.”
Rushin pointed to the club’s Board of Directors, who volunteer an incredible amount of time, he said. Attendees included board Vice President Laura Moffit, and board President Raymond Webb.
“Without volunteers, there is no way we could do the Taste of the Town and the Polar Bear Gala. Without Lisa and Larry Hafford, Hafftoberfest wouldn’t be possible, and I hate to consider welcoming over 500 kids a day, every day, after school serving six different school districts at 10 different sites without our AmeriCorps volunteers,” Rushin said. “I am sure that all of this comes as no surprise considering what we do and why volunteerism is so important to us.”
Rushin stressed why volunteerism is so important to the club.
“Community service is one of the most important aspects of our program, so much so, it is embedded in our mission statement,” he said. “To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, productive citizens.”
Rushin shared photographs of youth performing current and past community service projects as he discussed service.
When asked how someone can help the Boys and Girls Club, Rushin said, he brings up the three T’s: time, talent and treasure.
Beginning with treasure, he asks, “Can you make a monetary donation, funding is vital to our mission.”
One’s talent can help by making a difference and Rushin asked, “Can you paint, are you a mechanic, an electrician, can you give medical physicals as a requirement for state licensing? Just about everyone has a talent.”
The most important of the three Ts to the kids is time, he said.
“Spending time with a child can make all the difference in the world,” Rushin said. “Everyone has a special someone in their life that made a huge difference to them. …I am asking that you please consider being a Difference Maker in the life of a child.”
Rushin said, “On behalf of the club, I want to thank everyone at the Daily American Republic for all the support and the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I also want to congratulate all the nominees and thank you for the incredible work that you do.”
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