NOT about the Benjamins

Once upon a time ago (and some would say, in what seems like a galaxy far, far away) a rapper named P. Diddy - or Puff Daddy, as he was known back then - did a song called, "All about the Benjamins." In this grammatical nightmare, he attempts to convince his listeners that everything he does is for the money, and not just any money.  It's for the cool, crisp, hundred dollar bills with one of our founding fathers' face dead center. Not only does he love his money, but it's apparently important to him for people to see him with his money. We'd share some lyrics, but decided you could look them up at your own risk. 

Every new business that starts always knows, or should know, that the first 3 years are the hardest. Building clients, building supplies, start-up costs and other expenses can close many doors shortly after they open. So for many of us, it's still about the benjamins, right? Aren't we all here to make money, in the end?   

And here's why:

This year, our staff did a lot of volunteering, with over 700 hours combined. From fundraising at the Farmer's Market, operating a children's activity booth at various events, to even our web and graphics designers that donated their time to a new business to help them get off the ground. And something amazing happened. 

We discovered... 

A few of our volunteers have grown and changed so much over the last 6 months.  A couple were able to teach important life lessons to their children, who were able to volunteer with them. Some of our writing staff learned the value of getting up early and putting in a full day's work - because you know, writers lose sight of that, sometimes. Our technical team learned more about honing their web design craft, and is cranking out some amazing products. 

Some of the staff at the Farmer's Market fundraiser, The Lemonade Project, this summer

But best of all, our hearts were all opened to the people of this community. 

We met the people that walk our streets, and they shared their stories with us. We learns about the disabled, the small business owner, the single mom at home. We had many opportunities to listen to heart warming stories of triumph and struggle. We saw children playing, cooperating, in a imaginary land where they had the power to banish bullies. And we witnessed the joy of giving, in the light that shown in the smiles of someone plinking a dollar or two into the donation jar. 

Well, now it's back to work for most of us, who (for the most part) work hard at their daily job as well as donate their time. What does the future hold for us, in our volunteering adventures? As we look towards the joy of the holiday season, we see opportunities ministering to those at the mission, playing with the kids at the Children's Museum, or giving back through Toys for Tots. There are many more opportunities to volunteer, if you know where to look. 

And you won't be disappointed.

Remember: It's not always about the Benjamins.  Sometimes, it's about the Aarons, the Kelsies, and Sarahs, and the Davids. It's about the people and their lives you touch with a simple donations of your time. 

As always, follow us on Facebook and don't forget the new edition Chills and Thrills in the Klamath Hills is out just in time for Halloween.

So what do YOU think? Maybe  volunteer has touched your heart in a special way, or your had a an rewarding experience as a volunteer yourself. Maybe you're a local business owner who could benefits from some volunteers over the holidays to help lighten your load. Leave us a comment, post on our Facebook or webpage about your experience or need.