Residents Giving Back
Making a Difference Volunteering, Part One By Michael Copeland, Discovery Counseling Center
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ast week I volunteered at the Devil Mountain Run in downtown Danville and it warmed my heart to see the number of volunteers, of all ages, there to help the event “run” smoothly. I have frequently preached about the joys and benefits of volunteering and community service. To volunteer is to perform or give services of your own free will. A person who assumes an obligation voluntarily. The benefits of volunteerism are numerous and yet the rewards are usually very personal. “I volunteer as a way to give back to my community. My dad taught me that it can be personally fulfilling to dedicate my time and energy to a cause I believe in that benefits those in need,” said Hannah Copeland of Danville. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The Thrift Station in downtown
Danville exemplified this ideal perfectly. The Thrift Station is staffed only by a volunteer auxiliary known affectionately as The Friends of Discovery. That would be Discovery Counseling Center of San Ramon Valley and the proceeds from The Thrift Station play a vital role in supporting mental health care in our community. Friends of Discovery was established in 1972 by Marge Early. With 35 volunteers they opened the first Thrift Station store in April of 1973. After several moves, they settled in their current location in 2004 and today there are over 140 dedicated volunteers. Last spring, The Thrift Station celebrated their 45th anniversary and over the years they have accumulated an impressive collection of community service awards including being named the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Non Profit Business of the Year. Jenise Falk, a former principal with the San
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Ramon Valley Unified School District, is now the President of the Friends of Discovery. Janise praises the team of volunteers at The Thrift Station for their tireless dedication to a worthwhile cause. “These wonderful women (and a few men) devote themselves to a cause they believe in and their efforts truly make a difference in this area.” “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”, Albert Einstein
JUNE 2019
