The Power of Your Time

In the No Writer's Block Allowed Group Sarah Cooper  got us started on the "What keeps me sane" theme. I wrote about my little blog buddy, Bitsy, my senegal parrot.

I thought it might be fun to start up another theme! I work with some really exceptional REALTORs and everyone of them find time to volunteer in one way or another.  When we volunteer we don't usually look for attaboys or any kind of recognition, it's just a way to give back. Sometimes we don't even see immediate results from volunteering but we just know in some small way we made a difference.

 I'd like to tell you about how I spent my day on Saturday, but I need to give you a little background information first:  

About 3 months ago I joined the Woman's Club of Minneapolis.  The Club is both social and philanthropic. It's all about giving your time and money back to the community.  To join, you need an existing member to sponsor you, and I had asked a fellow Minneapolis small business owner to act as my sponsor.  She agreed.

She then pulled in that favor and asked me to volunteer on the blood drive committee-- I was reluctant.  You see, I'm DEATHLY afraid of needles.  When I was 7 years old and had to have a shot, my dad had to hold me down. Now I make my husband go with me to hold my hand if I need a shot.  I just need someone with me when someone in a white lab coat comes at me with a harpoon. 

I told my sponsor I would volunteer, but I would not be making a "donation".

This last Saturday was our Blood Drive. I was in charge of sugar cookies.  It was quite something. I met a 91 year old woman who gave blood, and I met a "6 gallon" donor. One of the other women on the blood drive committee whispered to me that she had never given blood, and she was feeling a little guilty.  I assured her there was nothing to feel guilty about, that it was quite enough to volunteer.  She shook her head "no" and told me she would donate if I would.  Ugh. My stomach instantly started doing sommersaults, and my palms began to sweat.  Why don't they serve margaritas at these things? 

How could I stand by and watch my 85 year old colleague donate and not do the same?

We collected 45 pints of blood on Saturday. Mine was one of them. I likely saved three lives this weekend. Now THAT's a powerful way to spend your time!

Your turn....how do you give back?