Event and Volunteerism Jennifer Lazarz

Events and Volunteerism A

Win Win For Everyone

By Jennifer Lazarz

Gallup has many events that are great for families, friends, tourists and more, but we have an issue on the horizon- not enough people to continue to the legacy of historic events, or even to foster new events.

There are some outstanding service-based organizations within Gallup that put on a variety of events throughout the year that could use more helping hands and offer great benefits for you and your family. These organizations include the Lions Club of Gallup, the Gallup Elks Lodge, the Community Pantry, the Manuelito Children’s Home, the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more. There is something for everyone of every age when you join up with a service-based organization.

First of all- why should you consider joining up with a local non-profit organization and volunteering?

1. Social perks- there are a ton of perks, especially in our post pandemic world, to joining up with a service-based organization. You can meet new people and reunite with community members who you maybe forgot were around. It’s a low-risk opportunity to meet people with similar interests and to find out about community needs. The people you meet may come from different work forces, demographics, backgrounds, and more, and you’ll encounter enriching conversations, great senses of humor, and more. 2. Community service- you can help. It doesn’t cost money to devote your time and energy to events in our community. The biggest value you can offer is being there, helping with some of the simplest tasks at events, like unloading materials, checking in participants, taking tickets and more. For example, the Manuelito Children’s Home organizes a 5k annually on Memorial Day weekend.

3. While volunteering to assist at a 5k seems like it may have an indirect impact, the event itself fundraises for programs to support a healthy and stable home environment for children in McKinley County. (https://www.mnch.org/#xl_xr_page_index) 4. Part of something bigger- many of the servicebased organizations in our community have major missions. The Lions Club’s efforts include addressing five areas of need: diabetes, vision, childhood cancer, hunger, and the environment (https://www.lionsclubs. org/en/explore-our-clubs/our-global-causes). The Kiwanis internationally have over 150,000 service based projects, with a major organizational focus on maternal and neonatal tetanus and iodine deficiency disorders. (https:// www.kiwanis.org/about/impact). 5. Empower others- you’re doing something that matters. While it may seem small to collect tickets or to move boxes, the small things add up. Every small action is a puzzle piece in a larger picture of community support, historic impact, and more. The Community Pantry’s mission ensures that no one has to go hungry within our community. When someone isn’t hungry it allows them to focus on other aspects of their life, especially when it comes to children and their education.

6. Mental health- volunteering with service-based organizations offers you a community support system. It gives you the chance to see you aren’t along in your own struggles, and that by dedicating your time, you are uplifting other people. Volunteering has a direct correlation with improving mood and fighting stress and depression.

Our local service organizations have a lot to offer and may be great partners for fostering future event ideas that can benefit you, your friends, and your neighbors. All it takes is your time and your enthusiasm. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities in the community, don’t hesitate to contact the City of Gallup Tourism and Marketing Department at (505) 863-1227 or by emailing tourism@gallupnm.gov. You can also visit www.visitgallup.com to check out our annual events calendar.

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