Volunteers Speak Out

Sharrill Dittmann

Volunteering at UUCR has given me much more than I could ever give back.

I have participated in the Action Auction, Bizarre Bazaar, Personnel Committee, Building Committee, Board of Trustees, Religious Education, Wonderful Wednesday, Saturday clean-up sessions, JPD Conferences, Planned Giving Committee, Canvass Committee and other events. Whew! Of course I didn’t do all of this at the same time, and some of these activities were more suited to me than others. That’s part of the beauty of volunteering is a lively, busy community such as ours – you can always find the perfect place for your talents and passions.

What have I gotten back? Wonderful friends, a sense of service, personal and professional growth from the training and experiences I’ve had, mentors, pizza, coffee, doughnuts, and immense satisfaction. I had worked with knowledgeable and passionate people on a variety of projects; I have seen true leaders in action and learned from them; and I have received training (canvassing, teaching, and Board management) that served me well in other areas of my life.

That’s quite a deal for me! I give some time, have lots of fun, work hard at something I believe in, and get good food too! So, what are YOU waiting for?

Why I Volunteer

Charlie Eisenhauer

I grew up in New York City, where I was able to go to a City College with no tuition charge for qualified high school graduates.

Without that opportunity, my family could not have afforded to send me to college. That became the first big debt that I owed to a Public Administration. As a result of a good college education I was able to secure a postion as a scientist at, what was then, the National Bureau of Standards. This time my debt was to the Federal Government.

When my sons were grown, I decided it was payback time. In the course of my reading for pleasure, I learned that in India, it is the custom among many older men to leave their homes, and devote their life to helping the poor. Rev. Adrienne Carr of Community Ministries of Rockville was primarily responsible for steering me toward the particular cause of helping the homeless. My rewards come from interacting with the homeless and others in need.

Last updated 1/17/2007 by the website administrator