It's not just being retired that motivates me to volunteer in a District 54 school. It's not just my desire to spend some of my available hours being helpful to the students and teachers. I volunteer at a local school because I feel that I am giving back to the community and helping to make this piece of the world a better place.

Now that I no longer have the daily demands of work and family, I reflect more on what is important to me and to this life that God has given to me.

The development and nurturing of children have always been my passion. And so I volunteer two mornings each week helping teachers to help children acquire academic skills. These few hours fill me with a sense of challenge, purpose and fulfillment.

If you have an interest in finding out how you might volunteer at one of our District 54 schools, I encourage you to come to the Schaumburg Township Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 3-5 p.m. to get more information. Current volunteers will be there describing their various experiences, and District personnel will answer your questions.

The community needs caring people like you.

Margaret Shrigley

Schaumburg