In honor of National Volunteer Week, we salute the dedicated men, women, teens and kids who enrich their communities and the world through service. Thanks, volunteers, for making a difference!
Š2013 The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors
A Special Publication of The Punxsutawney Spirit and Jefferson County Neighbors
Looking for a volunteering opportunity volunteer may lie in helping plan events like fundraisers or helping the charity navigate its way through red tape. Availability Volunteering can be a major time commitment or something you do occasionally without having to commit much time. Many volunteers would love to devote themselves full-time to a charitable cause they feel a connection to, but prospective volunteers must be honest with themselves about their availability. You can still volunteer if your schedule is already quite busy, just be honest with the charity when they inquire about your availability. Don’t commit time you don’t have, as you won’t get as much out of the experience and you might end up letting the charity down when you can’t participate as much as you had promised. Accessibility Consider a charity’s accessibility when determining if it’s the right fit for you. Many volunteers prefer to contribute to charities in their own towns because such organizations don’t require the additional time commitment of commuting. If you volunteer with an organization
that is far away from where you live, you aren’t as likely to enjoy the experience or continue your participation. The organization should be conveniently located and, if you don’t drive, easily accessible via public transportation. Personal interest While volunteering with any worthy organization figures to be a rewarding experience, the experience can be that much more meaningful if you have a personal interest or connection to the organization. If you’re passionate about a certain cause, you’re more likely to embrace a volunteering opportunity with an organization associated with that cause. On the contrary, if you’re not passionate about a certain charity or its mission, you might not fully commit to volunteering, and neither you nor the charity will get the most out of your volunteering. Volunteering is a wonderful way for men and women to give back to their communities. Finding the right opportunity is the first step toward making the experience beneficial for you as well as the charitable organization you ultimately choose to work with.
Simple way to give back
Charity comes in many shapes and sizes, be it writing a check to a favorite charity or volunteering for a few hours at an event. The Pay It Forward movement and the established Pay It Forward Foundation have been changing the way people think about giving back for more than a decade. At the heart of the movement is the personal inspiration to
celebrate kindness and gratitude by simply doing kind deeds for someone – with the only hope that they’ll return the favor to someone else. Founded in 2000 by Catherine Ryan Hyde, who authored the novel “Pay it Forward,” the mission of the organization is to inspire and educate all types of individuals about the potential impact of changing the world
We would like to thank Major SponSor: Robindale Energy Resources
GoLD SponSorS: Punxsutawney F.O.E. Reynoldsville F.O.E.
SILVEr SponSorS: S&T Bank, Punxsutawney Blue Sky Realty, Sykesville Roberts & Sons, Punxsutawney Comcast Johnson Motors, DuBois Mike’s Super Market, Brookville
BronZE SponSorS: Punxsutawney Masons JR Resources Miller Brothers Furniture Falls Creek F.O.E. Brownlee Lumber, Brookville Sykesville Lions Club Kaptured by Kacy Photography
as well as several other local businesses who supported our efforts and made this year’s Run/Walk for Someone Special a huge success.
From the
Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society The Punxsutawney Area Museum You help preserve the past in the present for the future.
The Bennis House, The Lattimer House, Snyder Hill School
Mahoning Hills Social Center (Beside Longview Elementary School) • 724-286-3099
VOLUNTEERS make the difference... Thank You!
Where
Promoting and Preserving Independence and Healthy Living for Older Adults
Today - Tomorrow - Always
through simple acts of kindness. Enamored with the idea of how small gestures could make a lasting impact across the world, Charley Johnson left his lucrative entrepreneurial job and ownership of a manufacturing company and became the new president and face of the Pay It Forward movement. He created the idea of the Pay It Forward bracelet, which serves as a tangible reminder to do good deeds and in turn can be passed on when such deeds are accomplished. More than 1.3 million bracelets have been distributed to 117 countries around the world. In an era when technology makes it easy to reach millions of people in a matter of seconds, the Pay It Forward concept forces Our heartfelt gratitude to our a person to interact with another Jefferson County on an intimate and personal level. Johnson says that it is the one “charity” that all 6.9 billion people VOLUNTEERS in the world can be a part of, devotion and dedication whether they have money or not. for your unfaltering making wishes come true! “Pay It Forward is pure, genuPaul Bishop Vickie Spencer ine and simple,” Johnson says. Vickie Brady Barney Stockdale Carol Brodie Robin Weaver “You can easily create something in the minds of others that makes Mary Lou Burkett Katie James Charlene Cousins Marie Smalley them happy.” Terri Dunkel Linda Mumau The organization does not keep Deborah Himes Cindy Emhoff Sue Keane Jade Emhoff tabs on the people who have been Joe Kernich Katie Harvey helped by its message. Rather it Linda Liscinsky Jodi Presloid keeps everything at the most basic Joan Lowmaster Dick Spencer level and encourages anyone who Dick Spencer Jodi Presloid participates in the movement to Barbara Means The Make-A-Wish Foundation of embrace it as they see fit.
Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department Extends Thanks To Their Many Volunteers For Their Dedication and Service Throughout The Year.
®
Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia
Punxsutawney Area Community Center To All of Our Volunteers Theater Recreation Fitness Center Office
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please stop in or call
938-1008
220 N. Jefferson St.
2 - National Volunteer Week, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2013
Many men and women feel a need to give back to their communities. While a financial donation to a local charity or nonprofit organization can certainly go a long way, some men and women prefer to donate their time and skills via volunteering. Finding the right volunteering opportunity is a great way to ensure the experience is satisfying for you and those you will be working with. In addition, the right opportunity can evolve into a long-term relationship with a particular charity or nonprofit organization, providing a lifetime of positive experiences along the way. When looking for a volunteering opportunity, individuals should consider a host of factors to find the right fit for them. Personality Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, and charitable organizations need volunteers from all walks of life. Some people assume all volunteers must be the outgoing, sociable type, but such an assumption is untrue. Consider your own personality when looking for a volunteering opportunity, and don’t feel discouraged if you’re not very outgoing. Your strengths as a
Thank you to our volunTeers who keep us growing!
What to do when giving during a crisis When a crisis such as the tornado that tore through Joplin, Missouri, in 2011 occurs, it’s not uncommon for men and women with no connection to the areas devastated by such disasters to donate money to help the communities rebound and rebuild. Donations sparked by tragedies such as the Joplin tornado are commonly referred to as “crisis giving,” which also occurred in the aftermath of other notable disasters, including the 2011 tsunami in Japan and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Crisis giving can bring out the best in donors, many of whom will donate as much as they possibly can in spite of the sacrifices their donation requires. But crisis giving isn’t as simple as generous men and women may think, and it’s good to follow a few guidelines when donating during a crisis. • Be on the lookout for criminals. Crisis giving brings out many people’s generosity, but it also brings criminals out of the proverbial woodwork. Criminals may establish fake charities designed to entice donors who just want to donate to a cause as quickly as possible. These charities may present themselves as another reputable charity, establishing Web sites that appear legitimate to the naked eye. Thousands of such sites were discovered in the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, so if donating online, be certain that the Web site you’re using really is the authorized site of the charity to which you plan to donate. In addition, many criminals will solicit donations via e-mail. If you haven’t requested information from a charity, delete these e-mails before opening them. If you mistakenly open them, do not open any attachments, which may contain viruses. • Investigate donations made via text message. Donating via text message may seem like a great way to ensure your donation makes an immediate impact. After all, such donations can be made in a matter of seconds. However, Charity Navigator, a nonprofit evaluator of charities, notes that it can take as many as 90 days for a charity to receive funds donated via text message. Your donation might prove more immediate if you donate in a traditional way. • Designate your donation. If you’re donating to a charity for a specific reason, such as Hurricane Isaac relief, then designate your donation when making it. Many charities allow donors to make this designation when they donate via the organization’s Web site. If you choose not to designate
your donation, then your money may very well go toward the charity’s operating costs, which benefits the charity but not the victims of the crisis whom you were intending to help. • Value reputation when crisis giving. Choose a charitable organization with a proven track record of handling disaster relief. Such organizations have already proven their mettle and are likely to make the most out of your donation. This isn’t to say start-up charities born of specific tragedies aren’t well-intentioned or incapable, but more established charities might be in a better position to handle crisis situations than start-ups. • Avoid sending care packages. Natural disasters tend to produce harrowing images of victims forced to go without basic needs like food, water and shelter. This tends to inspire men and women to send care packages consisting of food, water, blankets, and other items they feel will help in a time of crisis. Unfortunately, these goods are not likely to reach any victims, as established charities likely already have agreements and plans in place to distribute necessities provided by a host of companies. While donating care packages is wellintentioned, financial donations are more valuable during a time of crisis.
The residents and staff of Jefferson Manor would like to thank all of their valuable volunteers who make a difference in our residents’ lives.
814.849.8026 www.jeffersonmanor.net 417 Rt. 28 North, Brookville
Make a difference without donating money National Volunteer Week, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2013 - 3
When making charitable donations, men and women may feel a financial gift is the most valuable contribution they can make. Though charities and nonprofit organizations will always rely on the financial generosity of donors, charitable men and women can donate without writing a check. The following are a few of the many ways to make a difference even if money is tight. • Donate blood. Donating blood is a great way for men and women to make a difference in the lives of others. According to the American Red Cross, blood donors must be healthy, be at least 17 years old (some states allow 16-yearolds to donate blood with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 lbs. There may be additional weight requirements for certain donors, and the men and women taking blood donations will discuss prospective donors’ health with them prior to drawing any blood. The advantage of donating blood is that donors can often do so several times per year. • Become an organ donor. Organ donation is a selfless act that can save someone’s life. When men and women pass away, their organs can often still be used to keep others alive. Carry an organ donor card with you in your wallet or purse and let your loved ones know that you have signed up to be an organ donor upon your death. • Foster parent a pet. The economy and the housing market has been tough on families, and many have been forced to give up their
pets when relocating from a home to an apartment. As a result, animal shelters and nonprofit rescue organizations have been overwhelmed with house broken pets whose families could no longer keep them. Such organizations rely on pet foster parents to house, care for and feed the animals until they find permanent homes. Becoming a foster pet parent is a great way for men and women to help a nonprofit rescue organization in their communities. • Donate time. Volunteering is another great way to make a difference without donating money. By donating time, people are helping an organization of their choosing keep its operating budget down so more of its resources can be used toward fulfilling the organization’s mission statement. Rare is the charity that doesn’t need volunteers, and many charitable organizations will even ask volunteers about their professions to determine if professional skills can be put to use while they’re volunteering. • Clean out closets and the garage. One of the easiest ways to make a difference is for individuals to clean out their closets and donate clothing and other items to a nearby Goodwill store. Anything from old neckties to appliances can be donated, and a person might even be able to reduce their annual tax bill when making certain donations. Goodwill stores don’t simply give donations directly to the needy. In many instances, the stores sell the donations and use the money raised to support a host of charitable endeavors. So even items like an electric drill
Jefferson County Housing AutHority
Rossiter Volunteer Fire Company
would like to thank all their hard working and dedicated volunteers for their service. Your time and contribution are greatly appreciated.
Eight ways to have a successful fundraiser customed to fundraising. • Start preparing early. It’s never too early to start preparing for a fundraising operation. The more time devoted to planning and advertising the event, the greater the chance for widespread participation from donors. In addition to word of mouth, you will want to include fundraiser information on calendars and newsletters -- basically anywhere you can reach the most amount of people. • Choose the right fundraising company. There are many companies that specialize in fundraising events and will welcome the opportunity to help you raise funds for your organization. There are different questions to ask potential fundraising companies, and the responses given should help you determine if they will be the right fit for your organization. Examples of questions include: What is the percent-
Psychological benefits of being charitable Charities often benefit significantly from the generosity of donors and volunteers. But the person providing the philanthropy also takes away something from the experience, and there actually may be measurable emotional advantages to being charitable. Helping others not only makes a person feel good, but it may also increase physical and emotional well-being. Several studies have indicated that being generous has profound effects on how a person thinks and feels. One such study from researchers at Cornell University uncovered that volunteering increases one’s energy, sense of mastery over life and self-esteem. It also promotes feelings of positivity, which may strengthen and enhance the immune system In 2008, Dr. Ellen Langer, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, advocated for giving gifts and being generous -- even in tough financial times. “When you give a gift it makes you feel generous, it makes you feel in control, it’s good for your self-esteem, and it’s good for the relationship,” says Langer. According to psychologist Robert Ornstein and physician David Sobel, authors of “Healthy Pleasures,” they talk about a “helper’s high.” This is a sense of euphoria that volunteers experience when helping others. It can be described as a sense of
vitality and a warm glow. It has been compared to a runner’s high and may be attributed to a release of endorphins. Various studies have found that donors and volunteers gain the most from a charitable encounter. Here are a few more health benefits that may result from being altruistic: • an activation of emotions that are key to good health, • lower stress levels, • longer periods of calm after the generous act, • improved mood, and • a potentially longer life span. There are many ways to give back and experience these physical and psychological benefits, including: • sharing experiences at a school, • volunteering at a hospital, • volunteering at a national or local park, • donating unused items, like clothes or cars, • reading to children at a library, • helping to care for animals at shelters, • volunteering at a hospice and comforting those at the end of their lives, • donating supplies to a new teacher and • becoming a companion to a senior citizen.
age of sales given back to the nonprofit organization? What services are available to save you and volunteers time? How long has the company been in business? Is there an incentive prize program? If so, who pays for it? What are the ways to keep costs down? • Avoid fundraising fatigue. When fundraising, the “less is more” approach is often applicable. Although this may seem counterintuitive, focusing on a few effective fundraising initiatives may prove more fruitful than presenting several smaller ones. Over time, individuals may feel less inclined to give when faced with many fundraising solicitations from the same organization. This makes finding the fundraising events that will be most profitable essential. • Establish clear goals and deadlines. People are busy, and unless they are monitored and fundraiser organizers stay
motivated throughout the event, it can be easy to lose the interest of normally willing participants. Set deadlines in the near future so events don’t get lost in people’s schedules. • Enlist the help of reliable volunteers. Fundraising is often a large undertaking. It will require several motivated individuals all working toward a common goal. Interview prospects to see if they have the gumption and perseverance to see the fundraiser to the end. These may be people who want to help out but simply do not have the capacity to donate money. • Keep donors in the loop. People often want to know where their funds will be going. If this is a school fundraiser, spell out specifically what programs will benefit or which items will be bought with the money raised through this fundraising event. Donors often feel more comfortable
donating toward a tangible goal, such as a new smartboard for a classroom. • Do your best to prevent mistakes. It is important to double-check orders and maintain good record-keeping so that mistakes can be minimized. Also, you want to be sure orders are correct and there are no product defects before distributing purchased merchandise. Every fundraiser held by your organization will serve as further reference to donors on how you handle fundraising initiatives. • Keep it varied. Donors are continually looking for fun products or services, so it is important for you to change up your fundraising efforts to keep individuals interested. Fundraising is an important part of keeping organizations afloat without requiring hefty dues and fees from parents or participants, and doing it right can mean financial success.
Joseph Kernich, M.D. Family Practice Joseph M.D. Joseph Kernich, Kernich, M.D. Family Practice Family Practice
938-3310 938-3310
www.pah.org www.pah.org
Accepting New Patients
4 - National Volunteer Week, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2013
Fundraising is an essential element of keeping charities and other nonprofit organizations afloat. In fact, for many schools, sports teams and nonprofit groups, fundraising is the single most effective way for these organizations to pay for the rising cost of their activities. According to Fundraising Idea Companies (www.fundraisingideacompanies.com), estimates suggest that more than 80 percent of individuals donate to nonprofit fundraising efforts. Most of the donations come by way of individuals and only a small percentage from foundations. Additionally, among those who donate, it is common for individuals to support more than one cause. Understanding how fundraising works can help those looking to raise money develop successful strategies for instituting fundraising endeavors. Here are some pointers for those unac-