A Volunteer Story

Why I love volunteering.

I believe I was fortunate in life to have what I need. Always surrounded by a great family and perfect wife! I’ve always felt the need to help others. Whether it be through volunteering in my community, helping out a neighbor, or just lending out a tool and an extra hand that friend may need to borrow. While I was still working, I volunteered with the local Lions club that raised money in the community to help blind and hearing-impaired individuals. I also volunteered as an ESL Tutor (English as a Second Language). I taught English as a second language to individuals who were new to this country and desired to learn English. This was very rewarding watching how excited the students were as they progressed and were able to communicate better in their new language!

Volunteering rates continue to rise on average, demonstrating that many people are eager to uplift others and create change after the pandemic. Currently 66% of volunteers give their time to improve their community, and 83% do so to contribute to a cause they care about. volunteerism is one of the most important and beneficial action that we can take as human beings. Our ability to provide our time and expertise make an immense difference within the communities that we reside. Fact is that most non-profits would not be able fulfill their mission without volunteerism.

Fast forward and I have since retired and now I Volunteer at the Venice Theatre in downtown Venice. I am a member of the set crew with a bunch of other retired guys and gals (and some still working). We build the sets for the shows and productions at the Venice theatre. Sometimes we drink more coffee than actual work, however it’s all good! There are few other Venice East residents that also volunteer at the theatre as ushers and costume shop volunteers. It is a very rewarding feeling contributing to the success of the arts in our overall community of Venice.

I also volunteer for our little community of Venice East -VECA as the membership secretary, along with all the other board members who are also volunteers. I feel a strong sense of community in Venice East and love living here!

We have added a few new volunteers to our ranks this year in VECA. We have some very knowledgeable and talented people on the newly formed Garden club. They have been working on a grant for Florida friendly plants and are working towards improving our entrances with those types of plants. We have quite a few volunteers to put up our holiday lights at the front entrance one day each December. We will be looking to put together a group for ideas on our annual Party in December as well. There are so many different ways to get involved in our little community VECA. Meet some of your neighbors and make some new friends! Just reach out on the website or our Facebook page; VECA Venice East Community.

I hope to meet some new members soon!

Remember unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.

If you would like to be involved in any capacity here in Venice East please be sure to reach out, we’d love to have you!

-Ken (resident since 2012)