There is a sign that sits in Good Samaritan Ministries’ lobby.  It reads: “Volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. –Anonymous”

“This sign pretty well sums up our thoughts on our volunteers,” said Angelia Bostick, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries. “There is no way we could accomplish all that we do without our faithful volunteers and the work that they do.”

Our volunteers interview families, fill grocery bags, sort, price and hang clothes, fold plastic grocery bags, deliver Food for Thought bags to schools, serve on GSM boards and committees, raise funds and they serve as GSM advocates to their church and our community.

“They are the heartbeat and backbone of this organization, allowing us to stay open five days a week, 12 months a year and reach so many more people than if we were relying on the few paid staff we have,” Bostick said. “Logistically, we just couldn’t do it without them—and we wouldn’t want to.”

The volunteers at GSM are typically the ones on the “front lines.” They are the ones that get to hear the stories of the families who come in for help. They see the tears, the embarrassment, and sometimes the heartache.

They are here to offer a kind word, a smile and often, a prayer. For many people in crisis, they just need someone to listen, to hear their story. And time after time, that’s what our volunteers do.

“We rely on our volunteers for so much more than the physical work that they do,” said Bostick. “They are also some of our strongest and most vocal supporters in their churches and around the community.”

Perhaps it is because they have looked the families in the eyes and heard the stories that our volunteers serve as passionate advocates in the community.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. There are former engineers, oil field workers, business owners, teachers, and even some who have grown up and out of poverty.

This is Volunteer Appreciation Week and Good Samaritan does just that. We truly appreciate our volunteers.

“I have blessed by each volunteer I have met. I have learned about service and life from them, been inspired by their dedication and life stories and been encouraged that you never, ever outgrow your usefulness by God,” Bostick said. “I know other agencies in our community have volunteers but I believe with all my heart that Good Samaritan has the cream of the crop!”

There is always room for more volunteers. If interested, please stop by 305 Clark Street or call 643-2273.