The Power of Showing Up
I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for almost twenty years, and one thing continues to amaze me: the power of volunteers. It’s not just about what volunteers do (which is very important), but it’s how they show up. They set aside time, one of our most valuable assets as humans, to give back to their community. Volunteering isn’t glamorous, and I’ve seen volunteers do many things, from mailing newsletters to packing produce, supporting families in crisis, and helping people navigate complex systems such as housing assistance and income tax preparation. To me, volunteering is about being part of the changes we want to see in the world and the collective impact we can have.
A few years ago, I was a volunteer coach for an organization called the Mini Mermaid Running Club, a six-week program for elementary school girls to train for a 5K. But the program was more than just training for a race; it included weekly lesson plans focused on self-esteem, nutrition, giving back to the community, and more. I signed up as a coach because this would have been a really cool program to have had when I was that age. I started running events as an adult, and 10-year-old me would never have thought a 5K race was possible. But I found that, as a volunteer, I learned just as much from the program as the participants did. It was so fun to see these girls each week, forge friendships, be silly, and challenge themselves. And to be with them for that race in San Francisco, see them all cross the finish line—it was such a wonderful thing to experience. Mini Mermaid’s motto, “The finish line is just the beginning,” is perfect. It wasn’t just about the race, but also about how you can learn and grow as a person through challenges.
At Family Giving Tree, I love seeing volunteers show up for their community. When I asked a volunteer why they give their time, she said, “It’s because I can help someone whom I may never meet.” I see that every drive season, whether volunteers are sorting backpacks to ensure kids start the school year with the tools they need, or making sure people’s holiday wishes are granted. And really, we could not do what we do without our volunteers. Getting gifts out to 50,000 people during three weeks in December needs more than an 18-person staff. Volunteers at Family Giving Tree come in all forms: individuals, families, corporate teams, and community groups. Some are here for the first time; others have been coming back for years. Whether they’re leading drives, working in the warehouse, or volunteering at their employer, each person plays a role in our mission to connect those who can give to those in need.
As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has given their time to Family Giving Tree. Whether you’re volunteering for the first time or the hundredth, you make this work possible.
In hope, joy, and community,
Jill Mitsch
CEO, Family Giving Tree
