Volunteering still alive and well in Nebraska

Volunteers are becoming a precious commodity.

Small volunteer fire departments are having a tough time finding personnel who don't have work or family obligations, or physical limitations that prevent them from taking part. Simple demographics -- an aging and declining rural population -- are taking their toll.

We noticed, with a twinge of guilt, that some of the usual "Red Bucket" spots were unmanned during prime Christmas shopping times in recent days.

That's not to say volunteers aren't making every effort to keep up the good work. This weekend's Toy Box distribution is just one example where many unpaid hours resulted in a heartwarming and worthwhile effort.

Weekly meals at Memorial United Methodist Church, food distribution at the McCook Pantry, fundraising and clothing provision efforts continue at the Bargain Bazaar and Helping Hand thrift stores, and the list goes on and on. Next week's annual banquet of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and the blood drive, today and Tuesday at the community room at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, are other signs that volunteering of all types is alive and well in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas.

But we're not alone, according to Sally Ganem, first lady of the State of Nebraska, and honorary chairwoman of ServeNebraska, the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission that coordinates community involvement by Nebraskans.

She announced that Nebraska is in the top five states nationally for volunteering.according to the annual Volunteering and Civic Life in America report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency.

Data for the report was collected through the Current Population Survey: the Volunteer Supplement. Conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPS is a monthly survey of about 60,000 households representing approximately 100,000 adults ages 16 and older. Volunteers are considered individuals who performed unpaid volunteer activities through or for an organization at any point during a 12-month period each September.

"I'm thrilled at the news of Nebraska's national Top 5 ranking," Ganem said. "Volunteerism is one thing that sets Nebraska apart. We know we can always count on our neighbors to come forward and lend a hand when it is needed."

"National service is an essential part of the solution to many of the social challenges facing our communities," said Jamie Moore, ServeNebraska Commission Chair. "Volunteers meet pressing local needs and strengthen Nebraska communities as they develop civic and leadership skills that can last a lifetime."

Ganem and ServeNebraska also remind citizens that during the Holiday Season, Nebraskans have a variety of volunteering options, including helping out at a community center or shelter, looking in on a sick or elderly neighbor, and signing up at a local food bank or homeless shelter. ServeNebraska also encourages citizens to volunteer for Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 20, 2014.

Cathleen Plager, Executive Director of ServeNebraska, said, "Volunteering is the basis for life as we know it in Nebraska, and it all starts by helping your neighbor, your child's school or your favorite non-profit and see people empowered to join together to make their community a better place to live, work and play."

Judging by the numbers, there's no danger that Nebraska will be bereft of volunteers any time soon. As we examining ways to spend our time in the coming year, however, there will be no better way than investing some of it in our communities.