Volunteering Should Be Fun

Written by Mary Stephenson 11-3-2017

I am a firm believer that volunteering should be fun. Somehow a begrudging attitude about helping doesn’t quite fit the picture of being of service to others.

Lions Jim, Ernie, Ron, Andy, Gary and I all went to Sycamore School to have a meeting with Principal Susanna after our Thursday breakfast.

Purpose was to find out what we could do to help continue our commitment with the adoption of Sycamore School.

We knew that most of us were reluctant on a long term commitment of a one on one mentoring with a child or even a long term weekly commitment of a program. No child deserves to be promised and to be let down by not following through. It is for some, and maybe some of the members might be interested in doing so, which would be great (if so be sure to ask).

We have gone and helped at the school with serving hot dogs, tacos, cook-out, and the Santa’s Shop. By the way it is greatly appreciated and if you have never done any of these be sure to sign-up and come along with us.

During our conversation we told Susanna what we enjoyed doing and she came up with all sorts of other events they are having in the school. Last year we had a little booth for their fair and she wants us back to do it again. It will be on April 21, 2018. Right between the Basketball Game and the District Convention (some of you have promised to attend at least part of the convention).

Will be getting information from Susanna as to more details in the future as each event gets close.

November 9th there will be a popsicle treat for the kids from 12:30 to 1:00 (need to be there at 12:20). Same thing on March 9th. More details later on this.

December 13th at 6:15 a concert. We don’t necessarily need to do anything. But the positive adults around the kids is a priority and that is part of the reason we show up for their events whether we help out or not. December 20th there is a Sing-A-Long at 8:30 AM.

December 13-20 is the Santa’s Shop where assistance is needed with set up, manning the register, helping the students choose presents, and wrapping. Last year when we helped; the kids had already been trained to do all the functions and all we had to do was just be there to make sure things ran smoothly and if they needed any help with a situation they couldn’t handle.

March 16, 2018 there will a “Color Run”.

March 22, 2018 there will be an Open House at 5:30, which means some of us pass out food to children and parents. Need to be there at 5:10.

They need help with the purchase of lanyards and beads for kids that have achieved the “Skills of Independence”. (It is a really big deal for them and a great goal setter for the school trying to teach them.)

The student population has risen from about 180 to around 230 students.

Susanna gave us a website that will help you connect with making a difference in the schools and how you might want to help. Check out the website. It is called ReachHigher-Shasta. Here is the link.

We were also wondering how the PALZ Room was working out and is Olivia still there working with the students. Olivia is there at the school, sometimes as a substitute teacher and sometimes as a volunteer. The PALZ Room is getting lots of publicity in the educational world. Susanna was telling us about conferences she has attended and her talking about it. She has had calls on the room and program taking place in her school. It is nice to know that the project we all worked hard on has done so much for Sycamore and a roll model for other schools.