Volunteering at school reminds me of civic responsibilities to my fellow man

Thursday was a great day! I had a wonderful opportunity to volunteer by helping my son's music department. Each year the 6th grade band, orchestra and chorus return to the elementary schools to perform for the 5th grade class. Those 5th graders are preparing for middle school and the opportunity to chose to play an instrument or sing in choir. For most children - the opportunity to play an instrument in middle school is the first time they've had that opportunity. Many of them are not familiar with the sounds of the various instruments that make up a band and an orchestra. This is a great opportunity for them to see and hear these instruments up close.

The returning 6th graders were very excited to show off their talents and abilities, and the 5th graders were very appreciative audiences. My job, along with about 5 other moms was to provide muscle and transportation for all the music stands and the drums. We had to transport, setup and tear down at 2 elementary schools. It was fun work and the free concert was fabulous! Our middle school is fortunate to have a large music department. The 6th grade orchestra has 50 or more members, and the 6th grade band has over 140 members. The work we volunteers did was not difficult, but it made a world of difference for the kids. So it turned out to be a win-win: it made me feel good and helped the kids.

That reminded me that volunteering benefits all of us, the giver and the receiver. With local, state and federal budgets all being cut it's more important than ever for all of us to step up and help out in any way we can. There are so many ways to give back, and it isn't hard to find them. For instance, this past Wednesday, my local paper The Free-Lance Star published an article about the homeless children in some of our local school districts, and ways that people can help out. I called my children's school social worker to ask how I can be of help to the children & families in need in our school.

While the tragedies around the world require us, as a global community, to step up and help on a large scale; there are so many in our local community who are struggling as well. When you help locally you receive that immediate reward, that good feeling inside. There are so many places to volunteer. For example: your local pet shelter, a local mission, your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The list is really endless, and the feelings of doing good, helping out, and making a difference are immeasurable.