To the editor,

Whether it is sitting with a Hospice client, giving respite to a caregiver, helping out in a classroom or helping in the food shelf, people who volunteer receive the most benefit.

Calling voluntarism “one of the hallmarks of American life,” Pres. Richard Nixon signed an executive order on April 20, 1974, declaring that the week be dedicated to those who give their time to charity.

“I urge all Americans to observe that week by seeking out an area in their community in which they can give to a needy individual or worthy cause by devoting a few hours, or more, to volunteer service,” Nixon said in the proclamation that established National Volunteer Week.

We all have basic needs, physical and psychological. Families at times are faced with terminal illnesses and special needs that require more care and services than one person can handle.

In Hospice, the volunteers are specially trained to keep patients living in dignity and comfort as long as possible. In the classroom, they are a tremendous help to the teachers and students. Volunteers everywhere help everyone save money.

Some volunteers report having a deep sense of satisfaction in helping where it is needed. They feel like they are making a significant contribution to the community providing a service they hope others would offer them, were they in need. Supporting businesses in the community can heighten your own sense of spiritual values and help focus on things that matter most in life.

As residents of our community, we come in varying sizes, shapes, roles and jobs. All have learned talents, skills and abilities. There is a need for all abilities. Some may be professionals but all work together for the common good.

Growth takes place with each act of caring. Volunteering will make you grow to be a better person. It is not paid for in dollar value. The rewards cannot be measured in dollar and cents, but in self worth, respect for life and in friendships that develop. Trust placed in a volunteer can be overwhelming but in helping others, we are helped.

Marilyn Dahl often uses the expression, “We are all born with holes in our earthly life and many of those holes are filled with special people.” Her experience is that those holes for some people are filled with caring volunteers.

Polly Bjorkquist

International Falls, MN.

This letter was also signed by Marilyn Dahl, Phyllis Karsnia, Norma Krats,

Dennis and Annette Bush