With more than a gentle nudge during George H. W. Bush’s 1989 Presidential inauguration speech, American’s took to heart his call for public and community service that became a centerpiece of his time in the White House.
His Points of Light Foundation renewed a spirit of social responsibility throughout the country that remains strong and vital 27 years later.
At the time, our 41 st President said, “We all have something to give. . .if you know how to read, find someone who can’t. If you’ve got a hammer, find a nail. If you’re not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out someone who is. Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of freedom. And that will define the state of our Union.”
His Points of Light became a volunteerism beacon for many, including more than a majority of the 900-strong residents throughout John Knox Village.
To put a financial exclamation point on the value of volunteering, the Corporation for National and Community Service released figures on unpaid contributions made in 2014 ( the latest numbers available) for the State of Florida.
In the Sunshine State, there were some 495.7 million hours volunteered at an average determined rate of $21.61 per hour for a whopping $11.4 billion in contributed services. The remaining 49 states did their part for an eye-popping total value of $184 billion.
Many of our residents volunteer
Clearly volunteers make a huge impact nationally, state-wide, as well as with boots-on-the-local-ground humanitarians and are justifiably deserving of being honored during National Volunteer Week, running this year from April 10-16. John Knox Village will honor its prolific philanthropists a week later during its annual Volunteer Hall of Fame ceremony on April 22.
Many John Knox Village residents are highly involved in feeding the hungry and clothing the homeless through the myriad of neighborhood churches in which they attend. Area hospitals are also benefactors of resident services. Still others read and record books for the sight-challenged or provide tours at historically designated homes.