The Salvation Army of San Juan County has a hand in almost every aspect of the community. The organization owns a thrift store, assembles emergency food packages for needy families, donates school supplies and runs a teen cyber cafe.
Major Cindy Anderson said the local Salvation Army branch has about 300 volunteers on Thanksgiving, but only one regular volunteer the rest of the year. She'd like to have between 15 and 20.
"It can be as simple as coming in once a week and making up food bags for half a day or so," Anderson said.
Fortunately for the Salvation Army, the one permanent volunteer is 2007 San Juan County Volunteer of the Year Jean Gravestock. Gravestock grew up in a family of 11, and without the aid of the Salvation Army she might never have experienced a childhood Christmas. Every year Salvation Army workers would ensure her brothers and sisters got to celebrate the holiday. She began volunteering four years ago to return the favor.
"If it wasn't for them, we could never have had Christmas. This is my way of repaying them," Gravestock said.
Gravestock spends most of her volunteering hours in the thrift store pricing items. She also does cleaning, teaches recruits the ropes and handles other tasks.
"Whatever they need me to do, I'm there to do it for them," Gravestock said.
Anderson said the organization needs volunteers to work
Office aides also are being sought for one shift a week to help with general filing, mailing and paperwork.
The Teen Cyber Cafe operates Friday and Saturday nights and chaperones are needed to assist the paid staff. Teen center volunteers are asked to contribute one night a month.
Volunteers or groups of volunteers also can help with special projects, especially during the winter and summer. Special projects include making bedrolls for the homeless, painting buildings and homework tutoring.
Volunteers typically are 18 or older, but some exceptions are made for adolescents. Anyone working with children or volunteering on a permanent basis is required to pass a background check.
Thrift store volunteers are provided with a roughly four-hour orientation session, though it doesn't have to be completed in one session.
Devoting time to helping others not only strengthens the community, it also is beneficial to the volunteers.
"I love it. It's really rewarding for me. I'm a people person. I like all my customers," Gravestock said.
G. Jeff Golden:
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