Dr. Paul McDonald and Kathleen Daniels are co-hosts for the ActiveRain December challenge Acts of Kindness | Sharing Love & Joy This Holiday Season. This is my third entry.
Volunteerism
Donating Time - Goods - Services - $$$ In Sedona
The definition of "Volunteerism" "is the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support a nonprofit organization. It is the principle of donating time and energy towards a greater cause. Volunteers help change the lives of those in their community as a social responsibility rather than receiving a financial reward". - (Courtesy of bloomerang)
Most definitions include the four key elements: 
- Free Will - Not Forced Or Compelled
- No Financial Reward
- Helping Your Community or Strangers
- Providing Service Through An Organization
When we moved to Sedona - we were in "retirement mode." I needed to do something constructive. I worked part-time for the agent who sold us our home in Sedona. But that is another story... I also wanted to give back to my community.
Humane Society of Sedona Mobile Animal Shelter ~ 2011
I looked into volunteer opportunities. I decided to help at the Senior Center serving lunches, and when needed, I delivered "meals on wheels." Another area I wanted to help with was our Humane Society of Sedona. I would help clean the rooms that were used for people to play with the fur babies. I also took time to give love to those kitties. I had arranged for the Humane Society to set up their mobile center at my brokerage. That was a fun event. I also donated towels. The Sedona Humane Society is always in need of a lot of towels.
Salvation Army Volunteer Since 2017
2023 Bell Ringing at Basha's in Sedona
When I got to Coldwell Banker, my broker was the organizer for the bell-ringing at Christmas. When he asked for volunteers, I decided I wanted to participate. I have been volunteering ever since. For the last three years I have been answering phone calls for our Sedona Chapter. I usually have the phone for 1 week out of the month. Those on the other end of the call are in need of help. Some people are behind in their rent or their utilities because of some unfortunate circumstance.
Rock Slide SR 89A right outside of Uptown Sedona towar Flagstaff
Just this month, I got a call from a woman who could not get to work in Oak Creek Canyon because of a rock slide. This stretch of the highways was closed for many days until the concern was mitigated. She fell behind in her rent because of this. I met with her yesterday to help her resolve the issue. Good news is we will be helping her.
2019 Bell Ringing - Sedona Walgreens
I have experience in credit and collections and it helps me guide people in need with solutions. I am very happy to help and thankful for the opportunity.
Tristan helping Nani with the Bell Ringing in 2018!
Because of my connections with others who take an interest in the Sedona Community through involvement with the Salvation Army, I also volunteer my services and expertise on a committee to help find solutions for affordable housing in Sedona.
This is a real challenge for our community because our workforce cannot afford to live close to their job. Some large resorts have purchased housing for their employees in more affordable areas and then shuttle them to and from work. We are also looking at tiny homes as a possible solution.
Key Point For Donations
Make sure that you specify that you want your donation to go to your local community. If you don't do this, your donations may go to a central fund instead of helping people in your neighborhoods.
Throwback to 2018 and my (almost) 3-year-old grandson...
Previous Posts for this December Challenge
Post 1 - When Life Gives You Lemons...
Post 2 - The Mystery of the Christmas Bush on Interstate 17 in Arizona
Comments(37)