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Linda Mays has earned a reputation as an efficient volunteer. In her role as a front desk secretary at Spokane Valley Partners, Mays answers phones, helps clients locate the proper applications and provides information on a variety of social service programs.
It is her reliable smile, however, that may do the most good.
“I try to have a positive outlook,” Mays said. “These people are already dealing with some pretty challenging things. If I have an ear to listen and try to understand what’s going on, it can make a difference.”
Mays is part of an army of unpaid staff that sustains SVP year after year, lending time to the center’s food bank and clothing bank as well as seasonal programs like Coats 4 Kids, a back-to-school supply drive and an annual holiday gift distribution called “Season of Sharing.”
Mays works at the front desk from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and donates time to other projects when needed. In her spare time, she transports seniors around town as a driver with Catholic Charities.
“I’d be depressed if I didn’t have volunteering,” Mays said. “I’ve learned that money isn’t everything. It’s nice to be able to help someone and have them genuinely say, ‘Thank you.’”
Last year SVP volunteers provided 24,000 hours of work, the equivalent of a dozen full-time employees. With only nine on staff – and just six of those full-time – the agency continues to rely on the kind-hearted contributions of area residents.
“Most people don’t realize how dependent we are on volunteers,” said Connie Nelson, SVP programs director. “Volunteers are not only the heart and soul of what we do here, they’re the arms, ears and eyes.”
As the holidays approach, SVP is working to recruit additional helpers to support the distribution of Thanksgiving baskets on Nov. 18-19 and the Season of Sharing on Dec. 17. Donations of food and gifts are also needed.
As the economy continues to stagnate, SVP has seen more people come through the doors for everything from energy assistance to warm coats. Requests at the food bank are up 13 percent from last year and some 700 families are expected to sign up for Season of Sharing.
The food bank is planning to distribute Thanksgiving baskets on Nov. 24-25, but currently is running short of everything from turkeys to canned vegetables. Food bank director Barbara Bennett said she is also concerned about the impending rush leading up to Christmas.
For Nelson, the ongoing demand is one of the repercussions of the stagnant economy.
“We’re seeing cases where people who donated last year are now clients,” she said. “The reality is that most of us are only a paycheck or two from being on the other side of the desk.”
Bev Gerrard began working at SVP last month as a temporary employee from Humanix. In the short time she’s been with the agency, Gerrard said she has been impressed with the dedication of those who lend help to the cause.
“I think that’s what makes this country great,” Gerrard said. “That there are people who understand that life is about giving.”
Last Wednesday, KXLY honored volunteers from the Spokane Valley area who helped with the 2008 Coats 4 Kids drive at an appreciation luncheon at Spokane Valley Nazarene Church. SVP is one of four Spokane-area distribution sites for the program.
Katie Knodel, creative services coordinator with KXLY, said the drive – which this year collected 12,742 coats – “wouldn’t be possible without volunteers.”
“We value them a great deal,” Knodel said. “I think volunteers learn that it can be a very rewarding time. When you help those who are less fortunate than you, it just opens your eyes.”
Want to find out more?
To learn how you can help provide time or donations to Spokane Valley Partners, call Connie Nelson at 927-1153. To learn more about SVP, visit www.svpart.org.
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By
Craig Howard
