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Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Temple

To get the most out of volunteering, 'find something that is not a chore or burden, but something you enjoy,' says Jonathan Temple.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 27, 2021

Jonathan Temple

Smart Start

What do you do in your volunteer job?
As Chairman of the Board of Directors at Smart Start Partnership for Children, I assist other board members and staff to get the message out to the community that beyond all other needs, our children must come first. In order to raise funds for our programs, we work throughout the year via the annual Apple Festival parking lot effort, the Annual Book Sale, our online book sales, and the annual Bearfootin’ Bear Auction. This year, we have added a new fundraising event that we are excited about at the Hendersonville Train Depot. My favorite, of the many programs we offer, is a collaboration with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The objective of this program is to give free books to any child five and under each month, at absolutely no charge and no strings attached.

How long have you been volunteering?
Off and on, over 45 years. My father was a chaplain and Methodist minister and service to others was a part of growing up. Within Henderson County, I have been volunteering for about 15 years. I currently work with the Smart Start Partnership for Children Board, serving my third term as chairman, the N.C. Pre-K Board of Henderson County, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education and United Way of Henderson County Evaluation Panels.

Why do you volunteer?
I enjoy helping others who need help and are actively participating in growing. As a volunteer at Smart Start, I have seen how children are very receptive to our programs, actively learning and growing. That alone makes every minute spent worthwhile. Another part of it is simply giving back, as in “repaying the favor.” By that I mean, when I was working on my M.B.A., a good deal of effort was shared among us from others who transferred their knowledge and experiences in research, which is why I remain a volunteer as a manuscript and symposia reviewer for two leading research journals in business management.

What's the best thing about volunteering?
The pleasure in knowing that I helped someone else with a need they had that I could satisfy.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?
Find an opportunity where you will be working and giving in an effort you are truly passionate about, something that is not a chore or burden, but something you enjoy. If that happens, you will be more engaged, more attentive and both you and the recipient will be better served and rewarded.