To the editor:

Where have all the volunteers gone?

I remember a song by Sam Roberts, “Where have all the good people gone.”

Where have all the good people gone?

And it’s always the same

We all just turn away

We are stealing from ourselves

We are feeding off ourselves

But we were born in the flames

We need a cool breeze and a summer rain

We are stealing from ourselves

We are feeding off ourselves

Come on, come on, come on

People, come on, come on, come on

People come on...

The pandemic has taught us a hard lesson. The “silver generation,” gave a great deal of their time and talent to help others. But COVID-19 has unfortunately retired many of them. 

But why is the next generation not stepping up? They watched their parents give and they saw how their parents were better for it. They also saw how the community was better for it.

Our community thrives on those that step forward to help. Yes, it is important to help monetarily. But it is even more important to take the time to physically be present, as well as to be mentors to the next generation,

Many of the volunteer opportunities we have involve access to food, such as Meals On Wheels, Senior Food Boxes and Food Pantries. Other opportunities include access to care, such as Non-Emergency Transportation and Blood Drives. 

These opportunities fulfill everyday needs of many of our community members. Without these programs, people cannot age at home; they become ill due to lack of nutritional food or end up in emergency rooms because they cannot make it to necessary appointments.

Many of these problems can be conquered with just one or two hours a week. And, of course, with all volunteer opportunities, you are not assigned but choose where and what you do.

We are all good people and I know we haven’t gone anywhere. It’s time to feed your soul with some kindness to others. 

Give Volunteers In Action a call at 620-792-1614. 

Linn Hogg, CVA

Director 

Volunteers In Action

Great Bend