To conclude National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to promoting volunteerism, we sat down for a Q & A with Tim Murphy, volunteer-extraordinaire. By organizing many of Manhard’s team volunteer outings, he has encouraged many of our associates to get involved. His work has helped countless people. Let’s all get inspired by Tim:
What was the first experience you had with volunteering?
Our family started volunteering with our church back in the mid to late 90’s while our children were growing up. We volunteered all over, working closely with food banks, providing meals for the homeless, and numerous volunteer activities on youth mission trips.
What is one thing you would tell someone who is unsure of how to get involved in volunteering?
I would tell anyone interested in volunteering that it really doesn’t matter which organization you volunteer with. You could choose any organization that helps people or things that you care about or you could choose something that is close to home and convenient. At the end of the day it really doesn’t matter, volunteering allows you to help and do good for others and provides a natural sense of accomplishment.
Why is volunteering important to you?
I have always felt very fortunate and have not really faced hard and difficult times that many families and individuals face on a daily basis. Volunteering is a small way that I can help others and I understand that a small effort on my part can have a big impact on someone else.
What has been the best experience you have had while volunteering?
That’s a tough one because there have been so many positive experiences. If I had to pick one it would probably be when my adult son organized a group outing to volunteer at the food bank and about 15 of his friends and family gathered to pack food boxes.
What is one thing about volunteering you wish people knew?
That it’s easy to get involved, it doesn’t matter what, when and where and that its fun.
How has volunteering changed during COVID?
Unfortunately, volunteering has been very restricted during COVID and organizing group volunteer outings has not been possible even though the need is greater than ever.
Is there anything else about volunteering you would like to add?
I would just tell anyone that it’s easy and fun and that they should just grab a few friends or co-workers and find a place to volunteer. The combined efforts of volunteers are impacting and changing lives on a daily basis.
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