A Heart to Serve Others is Contagious!

If you ask anyone on staff at Promising Pages, they will gladly tell you that our volunteers play a very critical role in our organization. In just the past month, I have seen a number of volunteers come through our doors, and it truly is a testament to how much people believe in the power of reading. Our volunteers are dedicated and motivated to achieving our mission, and our successes and movements within the community wouldn’t be possible without them.

Almost every week, Promising Pages brings a sense of hope and joy to the children at Crisis Assistance Ministry through our mascot, Erma the Bookworma, and our Magic Books. A few weeks ago, I experienced something at Crisis that I had never seen before. Making our way through the rows of disheartened adults and children, I saw our Magic Books spark something in the hearts of the people we encountered. It wasn’t simply a smile and a thank you, it was a desire to do something more. In that day alone, I heard a handful of people ask for more information about Promising Pages. These people wanted to know more about our organization because they felt an overwhelming sense to do whatever they could to make a difference.

Seeing the hearts of these people open up to the idea of serving was very exciting and inspiring for me. The people in Crisis that day were most likely feeling down on their luck, hopeless, and defeated. However, those feelings did not stop them from seeking out any opportunity to give what they could. Time, energy, and passion are just a few things a person needs to serve the people around them. Whatever a person brings to the table has the power to make a difference and impact the community in monumental ways. That’s the beauty of seeing the people in Crisis being moved to serve. Perhaps they feel like they don’t have much to give, but they want to give all that they do have to helping other people. Each person we met that day has a variety of skill sets and talents that make them perfect for volunteering with Promising Pages.

There isn’t a rule book or list of requirements to serve people who need a helping hand. At some point, everyone could use a little help. All it takes is a heart that is willing and ready to do something more. The heart to serve others truly is contagious, and I’m so thankful that it is.

Thank you to all of our faithful volunteers for making the past five years such a success. You have been a blessing to Promising Pages and the Charlotte area!

If you are interested in volunteering with Promising Pages, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Arlethia Hailstock, at arlethia@promisingpages.com.