I have spent these past couple of weeks doing something a little different. I've been spending my free time volunteering, and oh, how fulfilling it is.

I mean it. I truly believe that you not only help the people around you, but you also enrich your own life.

“You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man,” according to author, Seth Parker.

I have always participated in small events that needed volunteers. But what a difference reoccurring volunteering makes.

Within the first few days I just felt better about myself. I slept better at night, though that could have been because the work I was doing was a lot more physical than usual.

“It's easy to make a buck.  It's a lot tougher to make a difference,” said Tom Brokaw.

There are a lot of people who complain. But what does that get anyone? Even if you are complaining to the most important person in the world about the most important thing in the world, it realistically doesn't get you very much.

A very wise man (Dr. Seuss) once rhymed, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not.” 

So get involved. St. James needs you.

Whether it's just for one day a year or all the time, your help will be appreciated.

Here are a few ideas of places you can volunteer (in no particular order):

Tour of Missouri: This is a one-time event in need of at least 150 volunteers. Many, many volunteers are needed to plan, set up and make the race happen on September 12. Contact Candace Connell at City Hall 265-7013

St. James' Tri-County Humane Society: From walking dogs, to cleaning kennels, to playing with animals - help is always needed. Do as much or as little as you want. Stop by or call 265-7995.

Tourist Information Center: Call Jaime Hunt at 265-3899 or email jhunt@stjames-mo.org

St. James Missouri Veterans Home: Call Tara Peters, Supervisor of Volunteer Services, at 573-265-3271 Ext. 257 or e-mail at tara.peters@mvc.dps.mo.gov

Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce could not function without its wonderful volunteers. ALL of the Board Members (which includes the officers of the Chamber) are volunteers. Every time the Chamber has a function or a need, volunteers step up to the plate to make it happen. The Chamber committees (all run by volunteers) include:  Beautify St. James, Economic Development, Marketing and Tourism, Area Merchants, Grape and Fall Festival, Old Iron Works Days, St. James Schools, and Industry, as well as several at large committees. You can see from the broad spectrum of committee names, that the Chamber works hard in a myriad of ways to promote St. James--this is all done by volunteers. Call Jennie at 265-7013.

St. James Caring Center: Contact Ramona Rinehart at the Caring Center.

James Foundation: Call 265-7124

Kiwanis: Our local Kiwanis is involved with many programs for children and others in the community.  We always welcome new members. Meetings are at 6:00 pm on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall of the St. James United Methodist Church.  For information, call Caryl Mussig at 265 5722.

Golden Living Center: “We use volunteers all the time and can always use more - even if they just spend time reading to a resident or sharing a talent such as singing or playing an instrument. We also have groups that do worship services, etc.” said Renee Ridling. “If they'd like to volunteer in the facility, they can contact Terri Craft, Activities Director at 265-8921.”

Beautify St. James: People needed for special projects. This is a few times each year for 2-4 hours. Previous experience or skills aren’t required. Contact Jean Crafton at 265-3671.

I'll leave you with one thought in closing. According to Oscar Wilde, “the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”