Batavia known for its spirit of volunteerism
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Batavia, a community recognized for its giving spirit.
I saw the volunteer spirit when the historical society held its garage sale at our home. So many Batavians volunteered treasured items and many worked the two-day event.
Barb Jeskie of Amazing Grace Antiques in Elburn and Sharon Harwick of Salvaged Heart in Batavia also donated. Donetta McGrath of 715 Vintage donated and helped with the pricing.
Many volunteers are working diligently to raise money for the expansion of the Depot Museum, knowing how important it is to our community. Go to bataviahistoricalsociety.org to see how you can donate and volunteer to preserve Batavia's history.
Volunteers often put in many hours without recognition. Erik Lindstrom is in that category, putting in countless hours overseeing the "We Love Batavia" Facebook pages, which are not affiliated with any organization.
"Every day he dedicates his own time to give us these amazing pages," community volunteer Lizzy Evenson said. "He gives us content we actually want to see. I check these pages every day."
Councilwoman Susan Stark is asking for volunteers to park cars at the high school July 4.
"If you have a group that wants to volunteer, you get 10 percent of the money collected. This is a great opportunity to earn money for nonprofits or get service hours for high school."
This volunteer opportunity is 4 to 7 p.m. and comes with the added benefit of making money for your organization. You can email her at sstark@cityofbatavia.net.
The spirit of volunteerism often comes down through families. Parents teach their children to volunteer, either through example or support. Stan Wilson is one who has shown his family what volunteering is all about. He joined the Batavia Lions Club in 1974 when it was chartered.
"We spent many years going with my dad to the plant sale and candy day to benefit the blind and hearing-impaired," said Lori Wilson, vice president of the club. "We could see firsthand what volunteering is all about."
Stan Wilson's influence has a far-reaching effect. In addition to Lori, membership includes daughter Ann Hills, son-in law Bill Hills, and niece Liz Rogers.
Lions Club International celebrates 100 years this year. The service club has 1.42 million members in more than 46,000 clubs, serving communities in 209 countries. The group began in Chicago.
When Helen Keller spoke at the 9th International Convention in 1925, she urged the Lions to become "knights of the blind" in a crusade against blindness. The organization responded and took up vision as a service project.
In addition to the candy and plant sales to raise money for scholarships, you see Lions quietly working behind the scenes helping many in the community. Members were recently out in force assisting with the Valley Sheltered Workshop pancake breakfast.
More than 45,000 Lions Club members will visit Chicago Friday through July 4 for an anniversary celebration.
"Since Illinois is the host state, we will be last (in the parade)," Wilson said. "It will be fun to meet other members from around the world."
For Wilson, the club is an important part of her life.
"Helping someone in some way, large or small, is a great experience," she said. "Being able to share that experience with other members makes it even better."
Lions Clubs encourage young people to volunteer through their Leo Clubs in high school, a program started in 1956 when the club was formed in Pennsylvania.
Like the Wilsons, sometimes kids grow up to be volunteers because of their parents. Do you volunteer and encourage your kids to volunteer? I'm challenging kids to get involved.
Contact me at king60510@aol.com and let me know how you volunteered this summer, whether it was making cookies for a neighbor or setting up a lemonade stand.
Take pictures. I'll feature some of the kid volunteers in a future column.