Volunteering has provided me with some of the most satisfying personal growth experiences of my life. Volunteers have the power to change the lives of others - and their own lives as well. You owe it to yourself to experience the exhilaration of making a difference and enhancing the quality of someone else's life.
My most recent activities have delivered immense rewards, including the Kirkland Rotary Club Miracle League baseball for disabled kids; Cascadia College scholarship interviews, UW Husky Band Foundation (which raises funds for instruments and uniforms); Department of Defense ESGR Committee (which recognizes employers for their support of employees); Kirkland Downtown Association; and the Costco Children's Reading Program (which provides assistance for struggling readers).
Last June, I conducted a graduation at Kokanee Elementary School in Woodinville. In an effort to relate to all in the audience, I held up a photo of me in the third grade. I told the audience that this student struggled with reading just like they have, but with some help, realized the importance of reading and went on to be much more successful in life. When I asked the class who they thought it was, one girl had the correct answer. (No, she didn't say, "Is that Beaver Cleaver?", although it's a good likeness)
At Kokanee, my team of Costco volunteers and I spend an hour a week tutoring students who are struggling with reading. I felt that they deserved special recognition and developed a graduation ceremony for them. The staff commented that it would be the most special event that they have ever attended.
That it was. I sent the students and parents an invitation with our student/tutor group photo. At the ceremony, I presented them with a framed certificate of achievement, a book and a mug with "Read to Achieve" and the Kokanee Kodiaks logo.
Aside from the obvious benefits to humanity and the community, a volunteer can enjoy increased self confidence, improved sense of independence, better health, joy of helping others, improved leadership skills, an enhanced resume and the satisfaction that comes with stretching and getting out of your comfort zone
Volunteer opportunities abound in Kirkland. For a list and to discuss rewarding possibilities, e-mail or call volunteer coordinator extraordinaire, Patty Tucker at 827-5542, pattyjust loveskirkland.net or Kellie Jordan at the Kirkland Downtown Association, 893-8766, kellie@kirklanddowntown.org.
Here is one of my favorite quotes, from Danny Thomas: "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."
Dennis Newell works in the commercial sales department at the Costco home office in Issaquah.
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