Rebuilding Together Orange County

An American Tradition -- Volunteering

Apr 02, 2002

Hey, I could use some help! I know the temptation is to skirt civic or community responsibility with other obligations, but the President of the United States is asking that we look at philanthropic efforts and lend support; he's suggesting we all get involved. I couldn't agree more - our neighborhoods are great places to start! You can help in so many ways.
Let's look at the options - money, time, or cooperation. Money makes the operation move, every little bit helps. Rebuilding Together transforms donations and multiplies donated dollars into real service dollars by almost four times. In other words for every dollar RT receives, we, through other in-kind, material and volunteer labor donations, are able to extend that dollar by four. So your $250 gift to Rebuilding Together Orange County translates into $1,000. That kind of value enhancement is powerful - and empowering - for this organization!
For those who cannot donate money, an equally important commodity is a material/supplies donation. All construction, repair and household materials are welcomed and even the most humble often make a tremendous difference in the life of our recipients. For example, non-functioning windows are common in older homes and are expensive to repair or replace. A donation of windows, caulking, glass, etc., might not seem notable, yet, to the 80 year old widow who turns off her heat because drafty, broken windows result in unbearable electric bills, new secure windows are priceless! If you work for a building materials or supplies company, ask your boss about a donation. The rewards include community recognition - and the real gratitude of good people! If you're unsure about the need for a product, just ask the RT staff. More often than not, they can put your donation to good use!
If you are a skilled tradesperson, you too, can answer the President's call to volunteer by providing critical help to Rebuilding Together. Electricians, plumbers, handymen, painters, roofers, glazers - and more. All these skills are required in making the homes of the elderly, disabled or low-income safe, warm and dry.
Even if you cannot donate funding, materials or skilled labor, your two hands - and arms, legs and head - are also valuable volunteer assets for Rebuilding Together! And such volunteer help is needed year round. While the April Rebuilding Day is our most well-known activity, to make it happen demands volunteer planning in dozens of ways: evaluating homes, inventorying warehouse materials, soliciting donations, creating communications and public relations support, preparing lunches, coordinating volunteer teams, training House Captains, planning volunteer and donor recognition events, and many more! These volunteers serve to help their neighbors in need and for the self-satisfaction of knowing they have made a difference. And it's easier than you may believe!
We'd love to have you join us. I joined, starting as a volunteer. Then, assembling a small group of friends, I became a makeshift Volunteer Team Leader, and ultimately a novice House Captain with no skills experience! But I am a good planner and I contacted a few contractors who could help me out. It's actually been fun, spending a couple of weeks with a house makeover recipient. One of the best parts for me is listening to the stories these recipients have lived through: creating soup kitchens, teaching English as a Second Language, handling church bereavement and heart bypass surgery, tending to grandchildren, and so much more. They are amazing folks.
Perhaps someday when I'm old and gray, I may need a little aid, and it's heartening to know that I played a part in building such a great volunteer group. But today, I could use some help!
Chris Schaller, RT OC Board member