VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Seven years after graduating from the same high school, Terry and Karen Weaver reconnected and began their relationship through volunteering at a local kayaking club. The couple eventually married, but their busy careers kept them from volunteering as much as they would have liked. Karen worked as a teacher, and Terry was a U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran and a podiatrist at a local Veterans Association of America medical center.

“When Terry retired, a friend of ours who was involved in The Salvation Army asked if we would like to help in Lebanon, Pa.,” says Karen. Having donated and worked as a bell ringer for the Army before, the Weavers were familiar with the Army’s mission. Terry and Karen were welcomed, and quickly found ways to help that went beyond anything they had done before as volunteers.

For a Salvation Army 5K run, Karen organized the bags for every runner at the start of the race. “At a lot of these runs, charities just give bags with flyers and advertisements for the sponsor companies. If we wanted to stand out, we couldn’t do what everyone was doing,” says Karen. “So, we included things that runners actually might need, such as water, granola bars, and mints in the colors of The Salvation Army.”

Runners also got a raffle ticket in their bag for a chance to win certificates and prizes donated by local businesses. “We made sure to let them know that the raffle would be done after the run, so they would want to stick around when they were finished,” says Karen.

When Pope Francis came to visit Philadelphia in 2015, Terry volunteered to go with the Army and make meals for the public officials who were working during the event. Terry was familiar with the area, having attended podiatry school in Philadelphia. “Everything was shut down for the Pope’s visit. But the Army helped feed all the extra police and FBI officers who were dispatched. We brought emergency vehicles, and I drove around the city and delivered food to the people who needed it,” says Terry. “It was a fun three days of service.”

We all have gifts and abilities, and they are there to be shared.

— Karen Weaver

When meeting other local groups, the Weavers bring with them a Powerpoint presentation that describes the work The Salvation Army does in the community. At the end, they ask if anyone would be interested in volunteering. This has brought businesses, banks, and the local Lions Club chapter to The Salvation Army.

“We even had a motorcycle club volunteer. Everyone wanted to take pictures with them and their bikes. Another time, a lady wanted to ring the bell with her therapy pet—a small miniature horse called Grasshopper,” says Karen, laughing.

“Local organizations are always curious about what other orgs are doing in the community,” says Terry. “Volunteering creates connections that opens your eyes to your surroundings. That’s why it’s so important, and why more people should do it. Volunteer work gives you a better understanding of people and how you can help them.”

“Volunteering isn’t just something to do to make yourself feel good. I don’t ever want to be involved in something when the first thing I consider is What will I get out of this?” That’s not a good reason to do anything; that’s corrosive to me. A good reason is to take our talents, expand them to help others, and show them love and respect,” says Karen.

“We all have gifts and abilities, and they are there to be shared.”

by HUGO BRAVO