V by Deonna Osborn
olunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”
- Author Unknown
Wylie is rich in many ways, from education to business to its sense of community. Volunteerism is an active, yet often understated value Wylie residents hold dear. Our community is home to a plethora of non-profits in which volunteers participate throughout the year. By definition, a not-for-profit organization donates money received to help fund its objectives and goals. It might also use donations to run dayto-day activities but never to turn an actual profit, as with a traditional business. Wylie’s extensive patchwork of such entities fosters civic engagement, promotes education, encourages health of both people and animals, and works to inspire, protect, and enlighten the lives of residents regardless of their socioeconomic status. None of these could function without a significant volunteer base, oftentimes not immediately visible to those who benefit from the organization. For example, local wildlife rescue and educational center In-Sync Exotics, globally recognized home to over 69 animals rescued from private owners, breeders, the entertainment industry, and other sources, relies on the support of volunteers. According to Lon Ricker, liaison to many local nonprofits, the center is supported by over 100 trained volunteers who, due to the sensitive nature of the cats and safety measures, commit many training hours to the facility, the animals, and the public. In addition, In-Sync utilizes many project volunteers who assist in other areas that do not involve direct contact with the animals. When patrons purchase the lovely jewelry for sale in Hope’s Gate, the downtown Wylie storefront, they may not know the behind-the-scenes work done by this outstanding group. Director Kendra Medina said that the jewelry is created by orphans and women in danger of becoming victims of sex trafficking in areas of India, Uganda, Thailand and certain areas of the Middle East.
These women learn valuable skills and are employed by this all-volunteer organization, run by fewer than 10 volunteers. It has also provided 26 full scholarships since 2016. Lori Villareal, Wylie ISD Education Foundation’s director, explained the mission of this longtime Wylie organization. “The Foundation works to enhance education by inspiring volunteer leadership and community
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