Where were YOU during Volunteer Week?
A very nice lady came into the newspaper office early this past week to inquire about getting the word out that her service group needs members in order to remain active in the community. We visited awhile and I recognized a familiar problem
I know, I know, not only our society, but our community has changed. More women are working full-time. Youngsters are more involved in sports and extra-curricular activities that require parental involvement, chauffeuring, and attendance. Peabody's job offerings also have changed and fewer people are employed locally. Many residents leave early in the morning and return in time for supper, a little mowing, and some family activity. Who has time to attend meetings?
But a bright, young man who graduated from Peabody High School in the early 1990s and remained in the community said something a week or so ago that made me sit up and take notice. He said this is his town. This is where he grew up. He would like to serve in some capacity to be sure it is still here when his own children are grown and are raising his grandchildren. He would like to see Peabody keep its schools, its parks, pool, and essential services. He would like property values to remain competitive and he is willing to do his part with his own home. He was hoping he could serve somewhere in the community, hoping he could help.
What a concept!
We no longer have a chamber of commerce, Kiwanis, Jaycees, K-clubs, or PRIDE. Other groups have absorbed some of the projects in which those clubs were involved. The Fourth Celebration Society, American Legion, Peabody Foundation, Legacy Park, Peabody Main Street, and others have taken over the July Fourth celebration, Easter egg hunt, pancake feed, flying the downtown flags, community promotion, and other projects.
But there are groups that are not as lucky. The senior center can always use people to deliver meals on wheels and help around the center. The American Legion and VFW and their auxiliaries are active, but their members are aging and they need some young blood to help with the many projects they sponsor. Peabody churches are looking for members and for volunteers to fill spots on their committees. Peabody Main Street and Peabody Historical Society could use some young blood to help promote the historic downtown district and help preserve the museums and architecture we have.
April 15 to 21 was National Volunteer Week. Were you among those appreciated by your church, school, city council, or club as a volunteer in your community? If not, you have been missing out on a feeling of accomplishment that only comes from serving others. We have a group of students at Peabody-Burns High School who will take just about any job in either USD 398 community to give back to the towns that support them. These kids are teenagers. The volunteers in community service groups are baby boomers and members of the "greatest generation."
Where are those of you in between?
We need you and we need your help. I remember you when you were in school here. You were involved in lots of activities. You were the good kids, the promise for our future. Somewhere along the way something changed and you quit being the leaders and achievers you were. We need you. Sign up to be involved in your community. Help us out. Like your classmate who wants Peabody to be here for his children and his grandchildren, you need to make your contribution.
Someone in Peabody has a bumper sticker that reads, "I love my career — I'm a volunteer!" I wish each of you had one as well.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
