News

Volunteer of the Year: Friends of Library, Ed Foundation, Rescue Mission, Johnson Farm

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 5, 2020

In our annual Season of Giving salute to nonprofits and volunteers, we ask organizations to nominate a Volunteer of the Year. We're running the 2020 volunteers four at a time in three stories on the website.

 

Herb Humphries

Friends of the Library

What do you do in your volunteer job?

My primary responsibility is coordinating the delivery of donated books for shelving.  After donations have been sorted, cleaned and priced, I assist in the heavy lifting and organizing the books into various categories for shelving. I volunteer at the bookstore on Tuesday mornings and some afternoons helping receive patron donations.

How long have you been volunteering?

In 2013, after retiring from a career in banking, my wife and I attended a Friends’ volunteer job fair at the Main Library. Shortly afterward, we began in the sorting room and shelving at the current bookstore site, plus working at the semi-annual book sales.

Why do you volunteer?

The number one reason is when I retired, my wife encouraged me to stay active (and out of the house), so it was her idea for me to attend the Friends’ job fair. I am glad she did because it has been very rewarding to give back to the community and meet new friends while supporting the library.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

I have met a lot of wonderful people with diverse backgrounds and interests. There is a joy in connecting with the community and seeing your efforts help the library expand its programs and events.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

Find a volunteer opportunity that fits your skill set and passion. You will gain a new perspective on the importance of nonprofits in our area and the benefits to library patrons. You will benefit both mentally and physically and will be blessed far beyond your service.

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Curt Marker

Henderson County Education Foundation

What do you do on the board?

This is my sixth year on the board. You can serve up to a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms. For the last four years, I've been the treasurer of the organization, which puts me on the executive committee, as well. And I've also been on the golf committee. I've been on that committee for the whole 13 years and, the last several years, I've been chairman of organizing the golf fundraiser at Champion Hills.

How long have you served?

My first involvement with board actually goes back to 2004, I believe. My wife and I started a college scholarship for a Hendersonville High School graduate to go to one of the state schools in a science area. That was my first contact with the organization. We started that scholarship program, then I got involved in the golf and then six years ago, I was asked to serve on the board.

Why do you serve on the board?

I've always been a big believer that education is a good thing for people and, I think, a lot of studies in that would say that it's probably the best vehicle to break the cycle of poverty. For families to get educated creates a lot of opportunities for the people as well as prevents them from going in a sideways direction or bad direction. It's a rewarding thing to do and it works.

What’s the best thing about being on the board?

Probably the most rewarding thing, there is a program called The Leader in Me, which has become sort of our champion fundraising supporting the Education Foundation. I'm a big strong supporter of that program. My wife and I, we support the program at Upward Elementary. I think knowing that in some small way you are making the school system a better organization, a stronger organization.

If someone is interested in serving, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

I think there's two ways, basically, that you can help serve. One is just time. If you're willing to give up some time… and the other the other way you can help is money. If you have one or the other, that's great. Both, that's even better. Either way, I would encourage people that it is a great way to use your spare time.

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Ed Destremps

Hendersonville Rescue Mission

How long have you served?

"I have been a volunteer at the Rescue Mission for longer than I remember. I do recall that I started before the 911 attack working as a front desk receptionist, so my best guess is that it was in 1999. 

 

What do you at the mission?

I like to think of the front desk receptionist as the liaison between the public and the Mission's staff. Ten different receptionists are used throughout the week: one in the morning and one in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. We front desk receptionists answer the phone and greet people in person who need food, clothing, housing, shelter from an abusive partner, and relief from an addiction. We also help process donations of food, clothing, and money for the Mission and route phone calls and visitors to the appropriate staff member. With Covid now in play, most clothing donations are received by staff at the side of the building instead of through the front door. 

Why do you volunteer?

I have been volunteering for over 20 years at the Mission because I believe that the Mission provides a much needed service to the community and I find it satisfying to be part of that service. Those seeking to volunteer will find many other opportunities to take part in this service besides working at the front desk, such as meal services, chapel speakers, devotion, clothing closet and medical clinic. A cadre of over 100 volunteers, mostly part time, helps perform these and other tasks to keep the Rescue Mission functioning. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call 828-697-1354 and ask to speak with Andrea.

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Shirley McGee

Historic Johnson Farm

What do you do in your volunteer job?

One of the main things I do is work with the Johnson Farm Gardeners. We maintain the flower beds and flowers around the grounds. I also try to assist in any way that is needed at the farm from working during our events, helping with activities held at the farm to anything that needs to be done. I just try to be available to offer my time and talents where needed.

How long have you been volunteering?

I began volunteering full time in 2007, but prior to that since I was working I volunteered at the farm events and during the summers for about eight or nine years.

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer because my parents instilled in me the lesson that one should always give back to others. It makes me happy and gives me joy to be of service to others and to nonprofits. There is a wonderful sense of personal fulfillment and reward to see accomplishments that you have had a part in developing. I believe that if you can, you should always give back to others whether it be your time, talents or resources.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

The farm is a magnet for so many wonderful people who also volunteer and visit, and I have the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with them. Being a part of this is like being part of a large family. You have a purpose in your life and it is a big part in making you happy and healthy. Everyone is important and a huge part of making the farm a special place.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

If you have a chance to volunteer, do so! Find a place or organization that fits you and your interests and join in. Be dedicated to being there, helping in all the ways you can and let those you volunteer with know how valued they are also. Volunteering is a tonic for the body and soul; you will receive more than you give.