Suburban Chicago Daily Herald
October 27, 2009
The survey released in late August was sobering for agencies that depend on volunteers. The National Conference on Citizenship reported that most Americans were cutting back on volunteer work and civic activities this year because of the recession. “They’re not saying they’ve stopped volunteering, but they are cutting back,” said David Smith, executive director of the national group in a report in The New York Times. In fact, he said the survey found that 72 percent of Americans said they were devoting less time to volunteering and other civic activities, like providing food and shelter to those in need. But on Saturday, anecdotal evidence showed a different side of the volunteering equation. Suburban residents throughout the area made a point to help on the annual Make A Difference Day. And the results were powerful. The first year for the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce’s Stuff a Truck food drive was a big success said organizers, who want to make it an annual event. In Glendale Heights, more than 100 volunteers showed up to help fix up a foreclosed house now owned by DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Events in Gurnee, Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich will help feed the needy, support an Elgin home for those with severe disabilities and keep the homeless warm through a quilt-making project. A St. Charles woman launched a campaign to help send care packages to military personnel overseas. The Northern Illinois Food Bank, meanwhile, is looking for help from business and community leaders to help it raise money for a new facility. The food bank expects to send out 33 million pounds of food this year, about 22 percent more than last year. Feeling like you missed out because Make A Difference Day is over? Don’t. There are charities and efforts under way every day that need help. For example, the Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago can get you in touch with local organizations that need help at volunteerinfo.net. The national survey may show a downturn in volunteerism, but we urge suburbanites to buck that trend and give back even more. Now’s the time that so many need help – whatever level you can give. The benefit, as those who participate will tell you, is far greater than the time you spend. “It feels great to work on these projects,” Ron Anderson, a retiree from Glen Ellyn who worked on the Habitat for Humanity house, told the Daily Herald’s Matt Arado. “I worked in sales management, where I stared at numbers all day long. With this, I can actually see something tangible that’s been accomplished.” And when the house is done and a family in need is helped, Anderson said, “it brings tears to your eyes. That’s the real benefit.” Bring tears to your eyes. Find a way to help.