Isn’t this world a terrible place? Why are so many
poor? Why do so many suffer today? These are questions
for any reasonable person to ask. At a recent gathering,
I witnessed a group of people who not only asked these
questions, but also a fourth one: What can I do to help?
Last month, Simon House had a volunteer picnic. There were
about 100 people there. It was fascinating to hear about
the number of different roles these people played this past
year. Some collected clothing and other items, some organized
and cleaned the donations, some carried and transported goods,
some folded and shelved, some directly serviced the poor
in the store, and some organized all the various program
elements. The result of this combined effort was more than
1,000 families were helped through crisis situations. Many
children had food and clothing because of the work of these
selfless people. This is one example of the many excellent
organizations Columbus has that serve the needs of our most
unfortunate residents.
The best thing about the information learned at the picnic
is that Simon House is not the only one who is working hard
to help disadvantaged people in Columbus. You could add Good
Will, The Food Pantry, the Rescue Mission, the Salvation
Army, Platte Valley Literacy Council, and many others to
the list of groups that are specifically organized to help
others. All of them could still use more hands and feet to
further the work of their organization.
This outpouring of care and kindness is only successful because
of the number of people who see it as their responsibility
to give back to others from the good things they have been
given. This joining of time and talent equals a powerful
team of people who are a force for good in our community.
They each utilize their varied God given resources to make
the world a better place – at least the world in which
they live and work everyday. It is amazing how much good
can be done when people of good will join efforts with one
another.
The benefits of helping others through these excellent community
groups do not stop with the disadvantaged themselves. Perhaps
the biggest beneficiaries of the services in our community
come to the people who are doing the giving. In helping others,
these people find a meaning and a satisfaction in life that
cannot be found in any other way. This was tangibly seen
at the Simon House picnic where the enthusiasm and happiness
of the volunteers was evident and uplifting.
If you are already helping one of our community groups serve
others, you know exactly what is being said here. Thank you
for giving of yourself to make life better for others. If
you are not currently helping out in some way, you are encouraged
to get involved in making our community a place where every
person’s needs are being met. I assure you that you
will be the one that gains the most in this investment of
time and energy. Columbus becomes a stronger and better community
as we join hands to meet the needs of others.
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