The Superior Express -

Volunteers Wanted! This is a request that seems to be always floating around here and other places. Recently I noted on a social media site volunteers were needed to help with some of the interior construction on the new Jewell County Community Wellness Center. In the local newspaper, a request was made that more volunteers are need to help in the operation of the Ute movie theater, as is the case with a lot of the movie theaters in the area in order to keep the doors open. A recent email gave a shout from the Salina Community Theater that volunteers are needed to help in the costume department. Volunteers are always needed, especially in our smaller rural areas. It’s been that way for many years.

All of our community clubs and organizations are seeking volunteers, in organizing and carrying out parades, celebrations and many other community events in our rural towns. The area fire departments depend on volunteers. The committees and boards depend on volunteers. Our schools seek volunteers in certain capacities. Local food pantries and thrift shops are operational because of volunteers that make donations and give of their time. Most of our church members do many volunteer duties. Volunteers are depended upon to rally to the aid of their community and sometimes even beyond. So far, the volunteers are there, ready to help when needed.

When a disaster hits, volunteers are there to help where needed such as when a tornado hit the west side of Jewell several years ago, or when there was a large wildfire that moved many miles north of Burr Oak. There were house fires where donations of clothes and living quarters were provided to those that lost everything in those fires. There were families who have lost loved ones. The neighbors and even the whole community helped out by visiting them giving encouragement, providing food and supplies. There is the farmer who was injured in an accident or is suffering from a health problem. Neighbors and friends brought in their farm machinery to harvest that farmer’s crop. What would we do without volunteers?