Try volunteering instead of caffeine. Helping a senior get to or from a doctor’s appointment or delivering a meal to someone at lunchtime can really warm the heart. Walking with a person during life’s tough times and caring for something other than yourself can create an energy much greater than coffee.
Every day there are ways to help your community. Sometimes it is a matter of walking next door or down the street. You’ll see a need. Another place to look is at volunteermchenrycounty.org. This is a one-stop shop for McHenry County nonprofits in need of manpower and individuals and groups able to help. The website is exclusively for McHenry County. Check it out. Here are a few needs you will see: quilting help; office support; bingo callers; computer instructors for seniors; and help for an upcoming Bunco event.
The April 21 McHenry County Human Race is open for registration. So far, 41 charities serving McHenry County have signed up and are looking for runners and walkers to support their mission. Individuals can go to www.mchumanrace.org. During registration, each individual chooses which charity will receive the proceeds of their race registration fee. They also can raise funds for the charity. A big thank you to these sponsors that are making the race possible: McHenry County Community Foundation, Illinois State Bank, Covidien, Northwest Herald, Centegra Health System, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Sage Products, Mercy Health System, The Jeffery Prickett Family, The Running Depot and New Balance.
March 1 is the next nonprofit training – “Sustainability: Planning a Successful Future for Your Nonprofit.” Bruce Matthews, vice president of Campbell & Company will talk about the four keys to successful fundraising: a clear and compelling case for private support, strong volunteer leadership, a functioning relationship-based major and planned gift program, and strong internal systems, policies and staffing.
Dr. Frances Glosson of Centegra Health System will talk about team-building for nonprofits, and Marcy Piekos, executive director of leadership for greater McHenry County will lead a panel of discussion on engaging the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit community. To register click “training” at www.volunteermchenrycounty.org.
For information, contact Not-For-Profit Resources at 815-344-4483 or visit volunteermchenrycounty.org. Not-For-Profit Resources provides volunteer information and referrals and professional development opportunities, and organizes the McHenry County Human Race.
• Rebecca Stiemke is the director of United Way McHenry County Volunteer Center. She can be reached at 815-344-4483 or rstiemke@volunteermchenrycounty.org.
