Don’t have a lot of change jingling all the way in your pocket this holiday season?
Despite a slowing economy and tightening budgets, there’s still a gift that can be given in abundance without breaking the bank. Dozens of Floyd County organizations and individuals are in need of volunteers, and giving your time is a gift that doesn’t cost a penny.
“I feel like the reason I volunteer is because I can make a difference in somebody’s life. When you volunteer, that person might touch you more than you touch them. You don’t have to write a check to brighten someone’s day. It’s not all about money,” said Michelle Sweet, who serves as the United Way of Charles City’s president.
Jim Marlow, who volunteers for Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels and the Charles Theatre, also said volunteering benefits the person giving their time.
“Volunteer work — it gives a person a good feeling and, when you volunteer, you are doing a job that a lot of people wouldn’t or can’t do,” he said. “ If you volunteer in this town, you get a feeling from the people that not everybody is self-centered and all for themselves. A volunteer wants to help.”
And there are many opportunities to help in Charles City and the surrounding area.
Carol Johnson, dietary manager for Floyd County Medical Center, works with the Meals on Wheels program to help provide nutritious, affordable meals delivered right to the door steps of the elderly, people with disabilities and others.
An aging group of volunteers, changes in church membership and people headed south for the winter have put a dent in the organization’s crew of volunteers.
“I think sometimes it’s hard because everybody is so busy,” Johnson said.
Meals of Wheel volunteers donate about an hour a day, each day for a week of two. Volunteers and church organizations take turns delivering meals.
“We always need money, but right now the biggest thing is drivers to get the meals out,” said the dietary manager. “The thing with volunteering is the feeling you get back... there’s a lot of ways you can help without money.”
For those looking for ways to help, they don’t have to go far.
“Contact one of 18 organizations that we (the United Way) support, contact your local church — they’re always looking for someone to drive someone to an appointment or help in another way. I would also recommend the local medical facilities, from the nursing homes to the hospital,” said Sweet.
Community Development Director Veronica Litterer said her organization can always use help when it comes to community events.
“There are a lot of activities that just need man power, things like the lighted parade and the Santa House. But all year round these kinds of events use volunteers to make them happen,” she said.
Community Development can help prospective volunteers find organizations to get involved with.
Pastor Debra Lincoln of the Cedar River Community Kitchen said that while the kitchen has volunteers through December, help will be needed in future months. Last weekend, the kitchen served 104 people at its Thanksgiving meal.
“(Service) is just at the center of happiness,” she said. “I dont think that we are able to find ourselves until we do service. It’s in giving that we receive.”
Lincoln suggested people look in their own neighborhoods for ways to serve others.
“I think the big thing is for people to check with their neighbors. When you’re out this winter shoveling, if your next door neighbor is someone who can’t be out shoveling, just do it. Be a good neighbor,” she suggested.
Other places and organizations in need of volunteers may include the Community Food Box, Hospice, the Y-Pals mentoring program through the Charles City YMCA, and local schools and children’s clubs, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or 4-H clubs.
For Marlow, volunteering is a rewarding.
“The smile on people’s faces, that’s the main reason ( I volunteer),” he said. “If people give time, they will get it back 10 fold.”

Contact Staci Schwickerath
staci@charlescitypress.com
or (641) 228-3211, Ext. 22