I've been an active participant in volunteering and community service since high school. I'm always down for a good cause, whether it be cancer, AIDS, giving blood, or food for the homeless and underprivileged. It makes me feel good inside to help others.
I will be highlighting two local volunteer opportunities in this article, both of which I have participated in and contributed to in the past and present. These are Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity in Gaffney, SC.
Relay for Life has become huge in our small county. It is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money and awareness for research to cure cancer. Every year on the second Friday in May, thousands of folks gather at the track at Timken Bearing Plant in Gaffney for a huge tribute and a 12 hour long relay walk around the half mile track. Several fundraisers are held leading up to this event, including a bike ride, and a T-shirt sale. I have purchased a T-shirt every year since 2004, and even was a full participant for a year. Many of my family members have been affected, and some have even died from cancer. Therefore, this is a cause very near and dear to my heart. Cherokee County is one of the nation's leaders in fundraising for this cause. The 2012 Relay is Friday, May 11, its not too late! My T-shirt is already ordered.
The next opportunity is Habitat for Humanity. They work in correlation with the United Way to build homes for the less fortunate. Their mission is: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is a huge participant and spokesperson for Habitat. I participated in Habitat over a decade ago and I felt like I made a difference. I'm not really a carpenter, but helping build that home was refreshing, even if I didn't get to see the family that eventually moved in. I know some deserving family was blessed with a decent home. Let's build homes and lives.
I will continue to be involved and volunteer as long as the Good Lord allows me to do so. I encourage all in my area to do the same. There is more to life than television, movies and social media. Many folks just want to live pain free lives and have a roof over my head. The opportunities I listed does both. Dozens of more services, in Cherokee County and the country do also.
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