ATLANTA NEEDS A VOLUNTEER (5/2/15)

     It's something you could do today to make the world a better place for someone. 

     Volunteering is the best way to involve yourself with an organization or group whose mission may be the same as your own.

     "We can't achieve our mission without our volunteers," said Jon Santos of Atlanta's Jerusalem House.   "Some people think they have no skill.  I ask them 'Can you tutor children,  help with gardening, or put items together for special fundraising events?'  Then I can use you.".

     Most organizations with 501C-3 status hold annual fundraisers.  Just by attending and paying a small donation, you are helping those organizations succeed.  But what if you wanted to get more involved?

     Atlantan Richy Pugh is a perfect example of someone who has taken a simple idea and turned it into a major fundraising event for his favorite charities.

     Instead of throwing himself a birthday bash, Pugh decided to throw a wild theme party for charity.  Pugh asked each one of his pals to participate by giving a small donation. 

     A few years later the party had become an annual community event. 

     "Among our friends we know doctors, lawyers, heads of industry..." said Pugh, "...through these connections we have met even more professionals and individuals who became donors."

     The simple 4-hour party raises more than $5,000.  Add the other years together and that equals one volunteer who has raised $25,000!  More events are planned. 

     "Richy Pugh has shown what can happen when an individual takes initiative and runs with an idea," said Santos.    "He and his amazing circle of Atlanta friends have been successful in helping all of our 240 residents."    

     All over the world, volunteering is a functioning manner within societies.  Studies have been done by the United Nations on the subject.   The U.S. government keeps generic statistical data on volunteers by age group. 

     But other studies show that people are a bit overwhelmed at the choices available, and a lot of us are stretched on time. 

     Here are some ways to know when volunteering for a certain organization might not be right for you:

     1.  TIME/SCHEDULE: Do you have the commitment required to make meals? Copy flyers?

     2.   NOT THE RIGHT GUY: Hate blood? Whiny folks?  Can't stand kids?  Maybe this isn't the right volunteer area for you.  Allow others more suited to take the harder roles in volunteering.

     3.  MAKES ME TIRED: Volunteering can sap your energy/time/finances & goodwill!  Know when to pull-back and let others take the wheel.

     "By all means volunteer," said Santos.  "Choose something close to your heart.  Our volunteers help our residents develop a sense of community, and collectively volunteered an amazing 5,233 hours in 2014."

     To get involved with Pugh's organization, contact him directly: Attention Richy

-----Ray Macon