Melissa Kruminas

As National Volunteer Appreciation month comes to a close, I thought about this question.  I thought about everything from singing to patients in a retirement village in my days as a Girl Scout to my current roles volunteering with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and Sigma Kappa Sorority.  How has volunteering changed my life?

It has most certainly made my life full – full of experiences that are unique to only me.  But most importantly, volunteering has taught me that I can make a difference in the lives of those around me.  Yes, on an obvious level that includes the people that I am impacting directly, but what about my teammates, my co-workers, and even my children?

I have developed friendships and connections with teammates and co-workers through collective service. I treasure these friendships – especially sorority sisters discovered years after my college days.

But perhaps even more importantly, I value the example of service and the impact it has on my children.  I’ve seen one of my children choose Humane Society donations in lieu of birthday gifts, and somehow I’m reminded that maybe I’m doing something right.

One of the most enriching volunteer experiences that my family has shared is hosting an exchange student or student teacher.  As a child my family hosted three exchange students, and as host parents my husband and I have have hosted two exchange students.  Last year we hosted an exchange student teacher for the first time.  I’ve seen my children fall in love with people who are different than they are.  I’ve watched them learn about and embrace other languages and cultures.

Earlier this month my family worked together for Sigma Kappa’s Annual Day of Service to make care kits for Sole Hope, a non-profit organization that sends medical supplies to Africa to combat jigger infestations.  I was so proud to see them decorate cards and build care kits for children that they didn’t even know.

How has volunteering changed your life?  How has it changed the lives of those around you?  If someone’s service has made an impact on your life, I encourage you to reach out and let them know.