The gift of time
1/4/2023For those who want to do more than open their wallets, another precious gift waits to be given: time. Volunteers find themselves rewarded in return by the joy of giving — and there are ample opportunities to serve right here in the Des Moines metro. Following are a few profiles of seasoned volunteers and the organizations with which they work.
Roy Garcia
WEST DES MOINES
Roy Garcia has spent decades helping others. At age 98, he continues to serve.
Garcia’s concern for others began at a young age. He was born during the Great Depression, when money was tight. He recalls a time at Thanksgiving, when parents brought in pie and milk to school — a treat for the kids.
“I saw how the kids reacted. I thought, I wanted to be that kind of person,” he says. “I took some kids under my wing because I didn’t like how they were being treated. It rubbed off on me — the caring aspect.”
Serving veterans has been a passion. He’s gotten calls from the VFW headquarters.
“I got the OK to make out a check. I visit those in nursing homes. The veterans are dying off — one right after the other.”
In addition to serving veterans, he’s volunteered with the Knights of Columbus, West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation and West Des Moines Human Services, delivering food.
Garcia says he’ll continue as long as he’s able.
“I’ve had a caring and respect for others. You never know when you’ll need help yourself. I’ve learned to be kind and respectful of others. How you treat people — if you treat them well, you’ll be treated well in return. I enjoyed life so much. I’m fortunate.”
Source: Jordan Creek Living December 2022; by Jackie Wilson
Lynnette Hillabolt
JOHNSTON
Lynnette Hillabolt is passionate about giving back, and her ability to do so isn’t limited to helping out just one organization. She tries to stay busy helping out whenever and wherever she can.
Hillabolt started volunteering through UnityPoint, where she’s worked since 2003. She became involved with the Festival of Trees and Lights and has been helping out there for years. This annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season. She has also helped out with Single Parent Provision, a Des Moines-based organization that works to strengthen the lives of single parents and their families.
Hillabolt says she is excited to see what other opportunities present themselves in the future.
“There are a couple of reasons why I volunteer,” she says. “One, it gives me a sense of purpose, but also, I can now. My kids are 14 and 15, and I have more time now. There was something missing for me, and I needed more. I want to get my kids involved as they get older, and when November comes up and you’re trying to give thanks, it’s more in your head at that point in time. But there’s a need throughout the year in so many places, and it doesn’t stop just because the holidays are over.”
Source: Johnston Living December 2022; by Ashley Rullestad
Jennifer Frease
WINTERSET
If you’re new to volunteering, be inspired by this pro who has worked to make Winterset a better place for six years.
Jennifer Frease’s first volunteer gig was directing traffic during the Covered Bridge Festival setup. It was a small job, but one she enjoyed, and it got her hooked on volunteering. Now she diligently serves on numerous committees in town including the Covered Bridge Festival, Winterset Little League, the Madison County Chapter of Bras for the Cause, and the Winterset Disc Golf Club.
While Frease is obviously all-in on volunteering now, she recommends new volunteers start slow. She suggests trying out small volunteer jobs like she did and landing on one that makes you feel good about yourself.
“Find something that you find meaning in,” says Frease. “It will pay you back with the feeling of knowing you made a difference in some way.”
Bringing family and friends along when you volunteer also helps make the experience successful, according to Frease.
“It is important to be involved in the great things happening in Winterset so, in turn, we can continue to make Winterset great and be a place people are proud to be from, and a place that people are proud to show off.”
Source: Winterset Living December 2022; by Stephanie Lovelace
Deb and Joel Hade
INDIANOLA
The Helping Hand of Warren County needs volunteers year-round, but November is the busiest month — whether it’s helping clients shop for holiday meals, prepping for the Christmas sale, or helping with food rescue.
Joel Hade grew up in Indianola, and his mom was a believer in giving back, so that is a legacy he continues today. After moving away, he and his wife, Deb, came back to Indianola in 1993 and found many ways to get involved in the community.
After retiring four years ago, Joel wanted to do more volunteer work, and the Helping Hand needed help loading trucks on the clothing side a couple times a week. After COVID, Deb wanted to help, too, but was interested in the food pantry. The couple has been part of the “Thursday Crew” in the pantry ever since.
“There are really good people who just can’t make ends meet for their family, even when they are working full-time,” says Deb. “Everyone needs to eat, and our clients are so grateful for the help.”
Joel grew up in a middle-class family with the things he needed and wanted.
“I’ve been lucky in my life,” he says. “So many people just have situations where they are behind and don’t have enough… food banks are a great thing.”
Source: Indianola Living December 2022; by Becky Kolosik ♦
