AT HOME WITH KAYLA PRICE 6/17: Volunteering
VolunteerismAs much as our society needs its paid employees, what about those wonderful souls who freely volunteer their time and efforts? Often these individuals contribute funds in addition to helping hands. They provide staffing, leadership, ideas, muscle, autos…you name it…there is always someone willing to help a worthy cause.Think of our own community and the people who volunteer to make the world better for those around them. Since we are in the midst of the Dairy Festival, I would be remiss if I did not point out the extraordinary week of activities that this volunteer board coordinates for the sheer joy of celebrating what makes Hopkins County unique. From a parade to fair rides to the Dairy Festival Queen pageant and festivities, there is something for everyone!We have volunteers providing meals for individuals in need and/or homebound through such programs as Meal-A-Day and Dinner Bell. And we are talking home-cooked, gourmet meals! The volunteers who deliver the meals are often more than a delivery driver…they are a friend who brightens the day of the meal recipient.
In a couple of weeks many of us will be filled with the patriotic spirit as we gather downtown to celebrate Independence Day with great music and fireworks. This all-volunteer board, the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, has been bringing this concert to Celebration Plaza for over 30 years.Then comes the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Handbag Bingo which is made possible by a group of dedicated volunteers.This doesn’t even include the student activities such as sports, like the Bright Star Baseball League, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. These activities alone take a small village to carry out! Think of the benefits our young residents receive through these programs.
And don’t forget the angels on earth that volunteer for Lake Country Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). They truly have servants’ hearts!Our volunteers are running a pretty sizeable economy around town. It would be interesting to know what their collective budgets would total as well as the impact their collective efforts have on the local economy.Soon we will be celebrating the Fall Festival (another volunteer initiative) and another slew of related activities. That will be followed by the annual United Way campaign, then the Lions Christmas Parade, then the Chamber Banquet, after which the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala will be held, next up is the Rotary Crawfish Boil, and then the Freedom Ball. 
I have omitted so many great volunteer-led and supported events because this article would be well over my allotted words if I listed all of them. I know that this publication as well as other media outlets in the community do a good job covering each activity as they come along. I just want to say a sincere thank you to friends, neighbors, and fellow Hopkins County residents who volunteer. Not only do local individuals benefit from the volunteerism of others, but so does our community as a whole. Blessings to each and every one of you!
Read more: https://kaylaprice.com/
Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmOAZ8g5R2zP_WlMw6b6Fw
Contributed by Kayla Price. Historical images from Hopkins County Echo
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