As I often do—probably more than I should—I was scrolling through social media when a comment caught my attention. Someone suggested it was selfish for a large event organization not to pay its volunteers. I thought about that comment for several hours, and it made me realize just how differently people from different backgrounds and walks of life view volunteering.
I have spent a good portion of my life volunteering and serving others in various ways. Whether it has been with a local car club, the National Street Rod Association, my church, mission trips, or other community organizations, I have never done it for a paycheck. In fact, the idea of being paid never even crossed my mind.
I also don't write this to draw attention to myself or the things I do behind the scenes. To be honest, I would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it, so to speak. Instead, I hope this encourages others to consider volunteering and serving in their own communities. After all, many of the things we enjoy wouldn't happen without people willing to give their time to help others.
Why Is Volunteering Important?
Number one—and most importantly—in my life, we are called to serve. I believe that wholeheartedly. For me, volunteering isn't just something I do when I have extra time. It's a calling. It's simply part of who I am.
I also never go into a volunteer opportunity expecting to receive anything in return. That's not why I do it. However, sometimes God has a way of blessing you when you least expect it.
One example that comes to mind is after Hurricane Katrina. I was part of a group of men from our church who traveled to Wiggins, Mississippi, during the first weekend after the storm. We packed everything we thought we would need—food, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and supplies—because our goal was simple: help in any way we could.
We worked from early in the morning until late in the day, helping people clean up and begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. What we didn't expect was for the people of that community to serve us as well.
The residents provided meals and a place to stay while we were there working and delivering supplies. We certainly didn't go there expecting that. We were there to help them find some sense of normalcy after everything they had been through.
More than twenty years later, I still remember their kindness. I hope those people know what a blessing they were to us. We arrived thinking we were there to serve others, but we left with a reminder that sometimes the greatest rewards of volunteering are the unexpected blessings we receive along the way.
Well, Just Do It
As you may know, I serve as a volunteer at large car events around the country. Again, I receive nothing in return for doing this, so why do I do it?
I do it because I have a passion for old cars and the people who love them. I enjoy being around these events, meeting people, and helping wherever I can. Earlier this year, I wrote an article titled It Don't Run Itself for a magazine that focuses on this very subject. I can't share it just yet, but I will once it has been published later this year.
The main reason I wrote that article—and the reason I'm writing this one—is to encourage others to volunteer.
If someone told me they were thinking about volunteering and wanted to know what I thought, my answer would be simple:
"If you're thinking about it, you're already halfway there. Just do it. Get involved."
That advice applies whether you're serving with a local car club, a national organization, your church, or any other group you're passionate about. The organization itself isn't what matters. What matters is being willing to step up and help.
Don't go into it expecting anything in return. Go into it with an open heart and an open mind. Volunteer because you care about the people, the mission, or the cause.
Trust me when I say you'll likely enjoy it more than you expect. Along the way, you'll make new friends, create lasting memories, and maybe even discover talents you didn't know you had. And if you're fortunate, you may receive something even greater—a blessing you never saw coming.
Challenge
To wrap this up, I want to leave you with a challenge.
If you've been thinking about getting involved somewhere, maybe this is the sign you need to take that first step. Chances are you already know someone who volunteers with a local organization, community group, car club, church, or other cause they're passionate about.
Ask them about it. Ask questions. Find out where help is needed. Ask if they could use another set of hands.
Then show up. Get involved.
You may discover that serving others changes you just as much as it helps those you're serving.