With the holiday season upon us and the new year just around the corner, reflect on the gratitude of our community. This year has been a year like no other –– certainly in this lifetime. And while we’ve seen our share of challenges, be heartened by the ways in which we have all pulled together to make our community stronger. 

Boone REMC recently helped organize a food drive for Shalom House while we served Thanksgiving dinner. With your help, that effort yielded lunches for local families. This month, we are in the midst of Myrtle Bailey’s Toy Drive that will bring joy at Christmastime to children in need. While these efforts are focused around the holidays, for Boone REMC, our concern for community is a year-round endeavor.

Because we are a co-op, volunteerism and giving back are a part of who we are. Several employees volunteer with local nonprofits, like the Boone County Boys and Girls Club and Kiwanis. Many of our co-op employees coach youth sports, assist in school productions or serve on local boards. 

Boone REMC looks at volunteerism as the gift that keeps on giving. While it’s difficult to quantify the impact that volunteers have, they make a tremendous difference in our community and make our corner of the world a better place. Many organizations depend on volunteers to fulfill their mission. Volunteers fill in gaps and spread joy and compassion through their efforts. Even assisting with the smallest tasks can make a big impact in the lives of people, animals or an organization in need. Often a big commitment or special skills are not needed; just someone who cares.