Poems

Volunteering at Prentis 2017 

Some individuals willfully give of themselves.
They seem to be uniquely built,
While others may recede in the shadows
And may or may not suffer guilt.

Perhaps there was a healthy role model
Maybe a family member or friend,
That demonstrated their generosity
By teaching others to assist and bend.

Not everyone has had such experiences
Of being around others devoted to giving,
Some had the misfortune of being socialized
By persons who were selfish and unforgiving.

Written by Steve Popkin, LMSW, ACSW - Wayne State University School of Social Work

Some seek status, celebrity and praise

Others want clearly to be left alone.

Some mingle amongst the crowds,

While a few retreat to the sanctity of their home.

There are those who share their talents as a gift

And others may do so, only for pay.

In their own way, both persons make a difference,

They try to help persons in need through their day.

Some people help others because they can and must

It is what they are made of, they might say.

Doing for others is necessary, fitting and proper

Goodness does not require pay.

Volunteers genuinely care to help others

Not because they must, but because it is their will,

To make life easier for another person or animal

It is their sincere wish and grace to instill.

Some persons volunteer yet shun recognition

It deters from their greater purpose

Not all can understand nor appreciate that concept

What works for some may not work for all of us.

A Christmas Poem
(to adapt to your organisation)
 

Your kindness is appreciated
All throughout the year
And it is not just at Christmas time 
That your actions bring good cheer

 
We know we are so fortunate
Here at Queensferry Care
To have you week in week out
As our valued volunteer
 
Warm wishes for a
Very Happy Christmas
From all at QCCC

Volunteer I Am
Written by Eileen Thompson, Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Presbyterian Hospital, Huntersville NC

Twenty-four hours in every day.
Where can I go to give some away?
For my time is a gift.
My experience gold,
All I desire...
Is a small hand to hold.

A tear to wipe, a child to soothe
A lonely patient to comfort when blue
A harried worker to lend a hand to

There's no need for you to strike up the band
For I rarely seek out the fanfare of man.
I simply have time to give quite away
To help those in need and brighten their day

For my time is my own.
I give it for free.
A volunteer I am.
A volunteer I'll be.

Viva Volunteers!
by Akbar Khan

Like everyone else you face life’s struggles
Additionally, you volunteer your time
Though intrinsic rewards may be many
Wages you get nary a dime

Fundraising for charities
Canvassing door to door
You willingly do with a smile
What others consider a bore

Flying in ‘V’ formation they change
By 71% plus their flying range

If a goose falls out of formation by chance
It feels greater drag and resistance

It pays, while doing hard jobs, to take turns
Thus no one is over burdened or get burns

We must encourage others as they strive
To meet the daily grind of life

Two geese fall out of formation
They keep it company and for protection

Based on a write-up “Do we have as much sense as a goose?”   

Namaste
I honor the place within you
Where the entire world resides
I honor the place within you
of hope, of light, of truth, of peace
I honor the place within you
Where when you are in that place within you
And I am in that place within me
There is only one of us...

Explanation for above verse:
I was selected by the Dooley Foundation to work with Nepalese natives in Kathmandu as a volunteer in 1972.  I left Pan Am World Airlines as a flight attendant and took a 3 month leave.  The Nepalese greeted each other every day with this beautiful greeting, which translated from Hindi into English as the above!
 

Thursdays
by Dom Shalalo (Teacher/Librarian)

What will we do without you
on those quiet Thursday morns?

That workroom where..oh
those books stand so forlorn.

They wait for practised hands, you see
to process them with care

That shifty contact, bubbles
at our merest touch or stare.

But our volunteers have conquered
its wicked wiles and ways

Gliding to book corners
it no longer dares to stray.

"Oh work is only work" some say and that may often be!
But to us your work is the work of love, giving so selflessly.

To Our Volunteers
by Lisa Ellinwood

V is for the Very special people that you are
O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion you offer others during their time of need
L is for the Little things you do that make such a difference in someone's life
U is for the Unspoken words that sometimes mean just as much
N is for the Need you fill when others aren't able
T is for the Time you give of yourselves on top of your own busy schedules
E is for the Emotional support you continually give
E is also for the Endless energy you all seem to possess
R is for the Responsibility you have taken on & never once complained S is for the Smiles you bring to patients & families by just being you

Explore The Wonder
by Sandy Cavinee

The mystery of God's creation unfolds along our way.
Never fully revealed to us, just pieces every day.
The earth, the sky, the oceans hold their secrets but show to man- How
beautiful and mighty are God's works and plan.
The greatest gift He gave us-to share as here we dwell, are people just like you who know love so well.
And as we "explore the wonder" of what volunteering means, the WONDER is your service-you are the greatest theme!

(I wrote this several years ago and it was made into bookmarks for Volunteer Week-our theme was "Explore The Wonder-Volunteer).

He Said, She Said
in the Volunteer world

"How can I be of help?" she asked,
"I have a good idea," he said,
"Here, hold my hand," she suggested,
"We'll do it together," they offered.

"We'll be right here until it's done."
"Let's do it this way, its more fun!"
"It's what we're here for it's no fuss."
"Call us back if you should need us."

"She needs our help, God bless her heart."
"Oh, I'm just glad to do my part."
"Walk with me, I'll show the way."
"Goodness no, I don't want pay."

"You can do it, I'll show you how."
"You need it when? I'll do it now."
"If you need anything I'm right here."
"Who am I? A volunteer."

Thank You to Our Parent Volunteers
by Christina Williams

I'm finally going to graduate, the day is almost here.
I learned to count and write this year, because you volunteered.
You shared your love, your time and smile, so I could learn to read.
I can’t believe I like this stuff, who knew that learning could be fun.
I hope you know just how thankful I am, that you took the time to be with me.
I had so much fun this year, I can’t believe that summer’s here.
I got to sing and dance and play, because you gave your time.
I gained so much confidence, because you cheered me on.
Now the time has come sadly, for me to say goodbye.
But your spirit will be with me, forever, all the time.

(This poem was written for the parent volunteers in my son's Kindergarten Class at Carrillo Elementary. I ran out of time to make them some photo mini albums, so I stamped a card and wrote this poem instead. I hope they like it.)

Happy New Year Thank You
submitted by Rachel Altemus

We call and we email, we ask for your time
And you give of it so generously, never expecting a dime
Be it raining or snowing or at the last minute, you always come through
This program would be nothing without each of you
We express our thanks, just as often as we can
Please know that we, the Volunteer Services Department, are your biggest fans
You hock balloons and heart tattoos
You bring joy to many patients, who are singing the blues
You provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on
You become a familiar face, one families know they can rely on
You provide rides and shopping, which are no small feats
Because no matter what, we all have to eat
You wash windows and clothing, for the caregivers so tired
Walk dogs and play games, help get TVs re-wired
The list could simply go on and on
But it seems only right, that I move this along
So on behalf of Volunteer Services we offer a gift to you, our volunteers Sent with the warmest of wishes for a happy new year

Gifts of Time
written and submitted by Susan Greig
Partners in Care Family Liaison at BC Children's Hospital

Both night and day
you've given of your time
To make this hospital a better place
Every family here has benefited
And your efforts can never be erased

We send this note to tell you
That we are aware and all agree
Your gifts of time--large or small
Are special ones indeed!

YWCA Volunteers
written and submitted by Barbara Armitage

Our city’s problems are many
Solutions seem painfully few
It’s so easy to find yourself wailing
“Where to start; there’s too much to do.”

Yet for one group the answer seems simple
Their direction is always quite clear
They reach out their hands when the need comes
They’re first to volunteer.

The common vision they work for
Encompasses folks one and all
Peace, justice, freedom, and dignity
No matter how helpless or small.

They serve in a myriad of venues
That’s the most essential piece of this pie
No matter how young or how worldly
No matter how educated or spry.

Some help sell the dumplings in August
Some work our correspondance or books
Some keep us apprised of legislation
Some help in the kitchen and cook

They work to keep women off welfare
And so children will have school supplies
They organize home tours and golf games
See the world through the most needy eyes.

Some organize bulbs with pink ribbons
While others drive meals on the go
Some raise our racial conscience
Lend a hand to  Help Me Grow

Whether working for Appleseed Project               
Fund raising street to street; door to door 
They willingly do with a smile
What others might consider a bore

Some serve on the Board—on committees
Schedule classes for young girls and boys
No talent to small or too simple
Each volunteer act increases all joys.

So tonight I acknowledge your efforts
And in your honor proudly raise cheers
May God Bless you one and all
Our Wonderful  V O L U N T E E R S !    

Secret (Volunteer) Service
Submitted by Elizabeth Ellis

How to make an impact today!
Open a door for someone
Pick up a piece of paper left on the street
Say "Good Morning" to someone you don't know
Plug someone else's meter
Say "thank you" to the mailman
Give the next person in line at the grocery store your leftover coupons
Keep shoveling snow after your sidewalk ends
Truly listen to someone
Say "good job" for a job well done
Recycle
Donate your used clothes and toys
Make a cake for your fellow employees for no reason
Join a committee
Let someone else go first in line
Give your used magazines away
Note good service on your waiter's ticket
Send a hand written note of thanks to a volunteer for no particular reason
Say "Have a great evening" to the night watchperson
Switch seats with someone on the plane if they've been separated by a family member or friend
Print on both sides of the page
Pretend your Monday at work is a Friday!
Refer a potential volunteer to another agency who might better fulfill a volunteer's interests and passion
Mentor a new volunteer coordinator
Bring your receptionist a treat just because
Wave to children on the bus
Walk, take the bus or ride your bike to work
Learn about a new organization and how they engage volunteers and community
Put flowers on your desk
Don't "almost" make a difference, do something today!

Your Name Is Volunteer
Written and submitted by Nancy Jo Grim

Your name is love, because you showed me love and compassion when I needed it the most.
Your name is patience, because you took time to listen to me when my stories were long and my heart was heavy.
Your name is kindness, because you used your healing hands to touch my pain and guide me when I was lost.
Your name is mentor, because you taught me the lessons that life cannot teach so soon.
Your name is a volunteer, you are love, patience, kindness, a mentor and so much more…
We celebrate you the volunteer.
 

Protégé
Written and submitted by Noble Allen
P -Receives the wisdom passed on from voices of experience
R -Relieved that a mentor provides me with a boost over the great expectation fence
O -Over the bumps of numerous tasks we have come
T -Having someone to talk to during and when the day is done
E -At times making the difficult seem a little bit easier
G -Changing my Gray skies into blue skies when the day becomes even busier.
E -Eager to see this school year end – ‘but’ with zeal in my heart to try it all over again.

Thank You! Volunteers
Written and submitted by Noble Allen
V   You show up, the very moment we need you most,
O   You look for opportunities to expand our learning coast.
L   You are listening when soft words are being spoken.
U   You understand and work to keep our hearts from being broken.
N   Never is a word you remove from your mouth,
T   Let’s take this to another level-even if we’re located in the South.
E   Everything is possible-You help us to believe.
E   Even despite all odds-our talented students will highly achieve.
R   You rise to the occasion-that is without a doubt-
Our Parent Volunteers-We can never do without!!!

First Day of School!
Written and submitted by Barbara Brady

It’s that time of year again,
Time to go to school. 
I’m going to learn all kinds of things,
And study all the rules!
 
I have some brand new clothes to wear,
And shoes that are clean and white,
My hair is cut, my nails are clean,
I think I look “just right”.  
 
I know I’ll meet new people,
I hope that they’ll like me. 
It’s scary going off to school,
It is the first day, you see! 
 
I hope the teacher is friendly,
And shows me what to do. 
I hope she’s glad I’m in her class,
I think I’ll like her, too!
 
I’m scared that I will get real lost,
And totally lose my way,
Or need to find the bathroom,
I hope it’s not far away.   
 
I hope the food at school is good,
The kind I like to eat,
I hope I get to sit with friends,
Maybe they’ll save a seat!
 
I think the day will go quite fast,
When it’s done I’ll give a cheer!
I plan to make a difference,
Since I’m a volunteer!  

And Then There Was a Smile
Written and submitted by Laurie Eytel, CVA
 
A parent came with a burden to bear
They came looking for guidance
And perhaps a kind word
 
You saw their challenge
And decided to help
Your caring voice opened a door
 
A child came looking quite sad
And then another, with defiance
And you welcomed them all
 
They all came with stories
Which were all unique
You offered your help – and you listened
 
You may have provided a meal
You may have provided gifts
You may have provided guidance
 
You may have worked behind the scenes
But slowly a change came about
The mood seemed lighter
 
And then there was a smile,
Maybe first from you
Then maybe from a child, a parent
 
It made all the difference to those you touched, The child, the parent looked to you And then there was a smile!
 
Thank you for the smiles you provide!
 
Author Laurie Eytel notes "[These are} two "poems" I wrote to recognize our volunteers and partners who volunteer with our Fairfax County Department of Family Services Children, Youth and Families Division."

A thank you speech for volunteers

You make a difference in the dash.

Life is short. In the scheme of things this oft quoted saying must be true. Our planet has been here for millions of years - our universe billions.

On our headstones will be the etching of when we were born and the date when we died. For example 1960 - 2050.

What matters to me are not the two years mentioned. It is the dash. That little dash. That's our life. That represents to me the short time we have, here, to make a difference, or not.

And making a difference means so many different things to so many people.

But for you, the volunteer, what you do during that dash is most significant.

You can give me money for my cause. Sure. But I may pay that back to you. Say you give a dollar a month. It is appreciated without doubt. It is your dollar. However you may pick it up elsewhere. Something extra you do. Some other way of earning that buck. But how do we give back time?

As a volunteer you give time. Time. The most precious resource in our lives.

Look at the dash. How many hours are in there? It's not billions. It's not infinite. Money can be printed. Time cannot.

Once you give an hour of your time it is lost forever. That hour you just gave volunteering will never be replicated.

Your time volunteering must be valued but we can never put a value on that time. How can you value something that is priceless?

As a volunteer you bring much to this organisation. Skills, advice, experience, friendship, vision, leadership, inspiration etc. That you bring. But time you give. In our time poor world you bear the gift of time. You choose to donate the most precious commodity in the known universe.

We may count your time in numbers. We may attempt to count your time in cash value. Though such methods have their reasons we will all be poorer if we don't realize that the giving of your time is simply and utterly magnificent.

So today, we take a little time out to thank you for the amazing "time in" that you give. Truly, thanks for your time!

I Think...I Know
 
I think & I see how good you are
I know I don't have to look that far
 
I think you are amazing for you help kids, moms & dads I know it's true, a better group cannot be had
 
I think the families know it too
I know it in the way they look at you
 
I think I learn from all of you each day I know it's a fact, in more than just one way
 
But wait, it's not just ME that says "thanks with a smile"
It's ALL of us, because you go that extra mile!
 
YOU are the BEST - You make this program what it is.
Thank you from ALL of us! This evening is for you.

If I can stop one heart from breaking;
 I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
 or cool one pain,
or help one fainting robin onto his nest again;
I shall not live in vain.

Thank You For Your Precious Gift
(For Volunteers at a Long Term Care Facility)

In our world where we come and go,
At a lightning pace and cannot go slow;
Time is such a rare commodity,
And care can seem like such an oddity!

The simple act of a loving touch,
And words of care can do so much;
To ease the soul of those who need;
A listening ear or a hand to feed.

While some minds may seem to wander so;
Though they do not have too far to go;
Every one of our residents say;
They love the folks who make their day:

Just a little bight lighter,
And a little bit brighter;
Blessed with hope and joy to live;
Thanks to the love a volunteer gives.

There is nothing on this Earth to compare,
To the selfless gift of time and care,
That volunteers give to all folk here,
Day after day, and year after year!

Dream Chasers

They are our dream chasers
Reaching high towards the sky
Always believing they can make it happen
Never saying nigh.
They help us climb tall mountains
Navigating the compass along the way
Taking us to new and exciting places
Never leading us astray.
They help us build strong communities
Wrapping families in their arms
Seeing the many opportunities
Forever working hard.
They number many these volunteers
They have given so much to us
How do we show our gratitude?
Thanks...just doesn't seem enough.

Thank you for holding my hand last night.
You warmed my heart as well.
Thankful your here with me in this plight
I fear I'm stuck in this shell.

I heard you reading and singing to me.
I felt as light as air.
My body was swaying so freely.
Our friendship is so rare.

Thank you for spending your time with me.
A choice that you have made.
It makes a difference to my family,
A memory that won't fade.

The Volunteers' Prayer

Lord may you smile upon me
That I with an open heart give
My time and help my fellow man
By doing what I can, with love
Lord may you be pleased with me
And let me be aware
To not judge others
But to feel joy in giving care
Lord let me always know
That each little act of kindness
And the small tasks I do
Are acts of grand proportions
And are reflections of you
Thank you Lord for letting me have
In my heart, soul and mind
The wisdom and the knowledge
Of the power of being kind
And thank you for the opportunity
that I encounter every day
To give my smile or kind word
To empower anothers' way
For we are all linked to each other
And with your grace from heaven above
Guide me to follow your footsteps
And shine through my heart and life
Your love

Celestial Celebration

I need my new dew flowers,
Full of fragrance and bowers,
Full of silence and towers,
Full of devotion with love showers.

So, it is time to celebrate
And our mild mood turns inebriate,

May Lord bless all!
With all blessings to sing long
As my journey is full of songs
To remain and refrain from thorn.

The 20 minute chair

I have in my office, right near my door,
a regular old chair, nothing much more.

As a volunteer guide, I find that more often than not,
that chair seems to be just the right spot.

For co-workers, friends, those right off the street
but most important of all those who must rest their feet.

The volunteers that I have find comfort, compassion, laughter and more,
in that chair that I have right by my door.

For 20 minutes a piece, those folks seem to love,
the comfort it gives, more than the heaven’s above.

It could be a joy or sorrow, pleasure or pain,
or sometimes it’s just gossip simple and plain.

Not a day does go by when my chair is not taken,
the stories it hears cannot be mistaken!

The stranger, the longer, the more passionate it seems,
their stories become with faces that beam.

Now I love my volunteers as my family here,
but work seems to stop when “plop” goes their rear.

Mary who loves her dog and praises me as her outlet to life
and Peter who comes at the behest of his wife.

Fran who sings for the nursing home floor,
“old folks”, he calls them and he’s 94!

Dave is a youngster, who started out as a teen,
and plans on volunteering for all time unforeseen.

Syl and her dog who come every week,
Maggie is wagging and prancing her feet.

The lady whose family’s forgotten about
is here twice a week (or more than I can count!)

The teens that come in all summer, excited by what they’ve seen,
are off back to school but that chair is not empty… (if you know what I mean.)

The chair by my door is a welcome abode
to those who give of their time, talent all down the road.

When they sit in that chair there’s a connection they feel between them and me,
and that’s why, that chair’s going to be…

Right by my door for 20 minutes a time,
hearing all those volunteer stories with or without reason or rhyme.

Volunteer's Creed

Though my troubles and my worries
are sometimes all that I can see -
still I always must remember
life's not only about me.

Other souls are also hurting
and I know that it's God's plan
to reach out to help another -
to extend them my hand.

With this purpose as my focus -
to be a comfort to a friend -
all my troubles and my worries
seem to fade out in the end.

It is one of God's true lessons -
how my walk is meant to be -
true happiness I find when
life's not only about me.

It Only Takes A Moment

It only takes a moment
to reach out to be a friend,
but to the one who needs you
the memory never ends.

A simple act of kindness
to a person you don't know
may plant a seed of friendship
that for them will always grow.

We sometimes lose perspective
of the difference we can make,
when we care more of our giving
and care less of what we take.

So remember that your actions
may help change a life someday.
Always think about the person
that you meet along the way.

For it only takes a moment
to reach out to be a friend,
but to the one who needs you
the memory never ends.

An Ode to our Volunteers!

No matter the day or the month or the year
Our volunteers are always here

To help with the elderly the confused or the sick
Our volunteers know they have been hand picked!

A warm friendly smile, and reassuring voice,
is the best dressed volunteer’s accessory of choice

You wear brightly coloured costumes; you wear blue, coral and red,
You even wag your tail when people….. pat your heads.(St John Therapy Dog Program)

You often see what others do not, you can understand what people sometimes just want,

A little compassion goes a long way
You genuinely help people with their hospital stay.

You are our "ear to the ground" so to speak, it is your caring that everyone seeks.

We see you on every floor all areas and more, ED ( ER) , OPD, Cancer Clinic and the Lab
in Mamo, the Mail, flower care and , gift shop too
Pre Surgical Screening, Information Desks all of these and more who knew?

TeaTime, Meal Time , Music Time, Craft Time, Cuddlers. and floats,
Ortho Clinics, Library, baby clinics, ICU, and visiting you always raise hope!

You help brighten lives a little at a time,
offering a book, or a candy, lending an ear is all so kind.

You do things at home to help those in need,
Knitting and sewing you are up to speed,

Unique and fun items the crafter can do
fancy table runners and scarves to name a few

The patients are cozy thanks to your care, they are all so grateful
their feet and their laps are not bare!

And you also take pride and great efforts in doing their Hair!

Achievements in fundraising, you all should be proud; the goals you have reached rise higher than clouds.

Time is precious this is all true, with many other commitments we know we are only a part of what you do

We know you are busy, with family and friends your volunteering spirit knows no end.

You seldom say no, you often do more……so now it is time to thank you a bunch
and enough of me talking lets have lunch!

I wrote this poem for our wonderful hospital volunteers at our annual recognition luncheon March 2012

I love to help its kindness
bringing love and finesse
like a rose brings beauty
charm and graceful duty
giving time is a pearl
deep as the ocean
with every healing motion
to take care of someone in need
is a loving seed
that grows and grows
with hearts filled with loving bows.

We All Need Someone to Be There
By Judy Kilgore

Planting the seed,
To help the need
Being a friend,
Prayers and hope to send
Not walking away,
But trying to stay
Not turning away,
No matter what day
Being there,
No matter where
Giving hugs,
Instead of tugs
Not pushing aside,
Getting to know the person inside
We are all human,
Sometimes we just need a hand
It can do so much
So take the time,
Everyone gets in a bind
Let’s all show random acts of kindness,
No matter how big or small
We’re all in need of
Someone to care,
We all need someone to be there

Volunteers Cast a Beautiful Shadow
By Lesley Dunn, Executive Director
The Dartmouth Learning Network

Each day as the sun begins to rise
The earth is warmed by rays so fine
And as we pause and drink warmth in
We see our shadows start to begin

As children we tried to runaway
From the lingering soul that accompanied us each day
As years went by we then understood
That to see our shadow was a sign of good

Now often when we volunteer
The impact of our work is seldom near
Yet like our shadow that lingers close
Our collective efforts continue to bring hope

For 28 years our mission has been met
By volunteers who will not forget
To be unable to read is a dark cloud in the sky
As our volunteers you will not idly stand by

And as the sun in the sky does climb
Our shadow lengthens over time
Always there, a comfort to see
Bringing hope eternal to those in need

We are the sun, you are the rays
Warming life in so many ways
You are the reason we continue to be
An advocate for literacy

Thank you to all our Volunteers in Recognition of National Volunteer Week 2013
From the Staff and Learners
The Dartmouth Learning Network