Keep the Giving Spirit Going



Friday’s editorial urges readers to make volunteering in the community a priority in the coming year.

The recent announcement that ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will be stopping in Beaufort revives memories of the strong sense of community and spirit of volunteerism that accompanied the show’s two local tapings.

Thousands of residents turned out to help build two new homes for families in dire need of them. That same generosity and altruism has been on display throughout the holidays. Many of you no doubt bought toys for needy children, contributed to red kettles or helped serve the underprivileged a Christmas dinner.

Unfortunately, need does not wait for a TV show or the holidays. Effects of the economy’s stumble linger throughout the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach’s biannual surveys of homeless residents show that hundreds live in the area. As children return in January to schools that have faced and will face tough budget cuts, many would benefit from a volunteer mentor or tutor. Dogs need to be socialized and walked year round at the area’s animal shelters, which have struggled to make their budgets.

As we continue to grow out of recession, opportunities abound to make a difference by giving a bit of your time. In this season of resolutions, it’s hard to imagine a better goal than giving more of oneself.

South Carolina has a strong tradition of volunteering, at least for the region. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 26.8 percent of the state’s adults volunteer annually, more than North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi or Louisiana. Unfortunately, while the state is a leader in the region, it’s still in the bottom half of the nation, ranking 29th. And the Myrtle Beach and Conway area lag the rest of the state, with just 19.7 percent of adults volunteering per year.

Our hope is that we can grow that number in 2011. The area’s retired transplants in particular have a wealth of knowledge to offer. Many will no doubt find an opportunity to put their skills and wisdom to work at the Grand Strand Senior Job and Volunteer Assistance Fair in March. The event drew 400 attendees last year and matched 300 with employment or volunteering work. South Carolina seniors volunteer at a higher rate than the national average, for which we are very grateful.

The community has already shown its generous spirit, whether helping on the “Extreme Makeover” shows or building a new playground in Carolina Forest. We hope that bigheartedness will last in the coming year and provide our area charities with a much-needed boost. Work is particularly needed to encourage younger residents to give of their time. South Carolina’s teenage volunteering rate ranks near the bottom in the nation – 46th. Encouraging our youth to establish a habit of giving will ensure that charities will have a ready supply of cheerful help for years to come.

Not sure where to start?

The United Way of Horry County works with 43 community partners that provide aid to children, families or cover basic needs. Many could use volunteer help. Visit www.unitedwayhcsc.org or call 347-5195 for information.

Visit serve.gov to find an opportunity near you.

Or start local. Ask your church for suggestions. Most volunteers in South Carolina work in some religious capacity. Also try hospitals, nursing homes or shelters near you. Many would love an extra hand or two.

 

Unfortunately, need does not wait for a TV show or the holidays. Effects of the economy’s stumble linger throughout the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach’s biannual surveys of homeless residents show that hundreds live in the area. As children return in January to schools that have faced and will face tough budget cuts, many would benefit from a volunteer mentor or tutor. Dogs need to be socialized and walked year round at the area’s animal shelters, which have struggled to make their budgets.

As we continue to grow out of recession, opportunities abound to make a difference by giving a bit of your time. In this season of resolutions, it’s hard to imagine a better goal than giving more of oneself.

South Carolina has a strong tradition of volunteering, at least for the region. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 26.8 percent of the state’s adults volunteer annually, more than North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi or Louisiana. Unfortunately, while the state is a leader in the region, it’s still in the bottom half of the nation, ranking 29th. And the Myrtle Beach and Conway area lag the rest of the state, with just 19.7 percent of adults volunteering per year.

Our hope is that we can grow that number in 2011. The area’s retired transplants in particular have a wealth of knowledge to offer. Many will no doubt find an opportunity to put their skills and wisdom to work at the Grand Strand Senior Job and Volunteer Assistance Fair in March. The event drew 400 attendees last year and matched 300 with employment or volunteering work. South Carolina seniors volunteer at a higher rate than the national average, for which we are very grateful.

The community has already shown its generous spirit, whether helping on the “Extreme Makeover” shows or building a new playground in Carolina Forest. We hope that bigheartedness will last in the coming year and provide our area charities with a much-needed boost. Work is particularly needed to encourage younger residents to give of their time. South Carolina’s teenage volunteering rate ranks near the bottom in the nation – 46th. Encouraging our youth to establish a habit of giving will ensure that charities will have a ready supply of cheerful help for years to come.

Not sure where to start?

The United Way of Horry County works with 43 community partners that provide aid to children, families or cover basic needs. Many could use volunteer help. Visit www.unitedwayhcsc.org or call 347-5195 for information.

Visit serve.gov to find an opportunity near you.

Or start local. Ask your church for suggestions. Most volunteers in South Carolina work in some religious capacity. Also try hospitals, nursing homes or shelters near you. Many would love an extra hand or two.