Do Good Deeds for the National Month of Hope
Do Good Deeds for the National Month of Hope
Local Ways You Can Get Involved and Give the Gift of Kindness
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul… and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” - Emily Dickinson
Spring! Ahhhhh. Sunshine and showers. Snowdrops and slickers, daffodils and downpours, tulips and tadpoles… it seems that the whole world comes into bloom to brighten our days. In our town, winter may be King, but when Mother Nature comes calling bringing the hope of spring, winter bends a knee and bids her welcome. When she leaves her floral decorated calling card the only word on it is HOPE. That word alone brings feelings of confidence and trust.
This National Month of Hope also lends a hand in lifting spirits. Each of us can be bearers of hope in many ways. Like Mother Nature, we too, can lift others by volunteering, donating, or contributing our time, our empathy, our wisdom, knowledge, and kindness. We can be with people, one on one, who are alone, with no one to talk to or with whom to share their lives. Perhaps a friend, neighbor, community member, or someone in a nursing home could find a bit of hope realizing that someone honors and respects their existence. There are many organizations in our local community who offer hope through the hands of volunteers which serve as the conduits.
Connecting Communities in Action (CCA) works with the community, for the community in meeting people’s most basic needs. With comprehensive, strength-based customer-focused programs they provide hope through “safe and affordable housing, home rehabilitation and weatherization, prevention, and education.” They also “offer mental health services, food security, and support for youth, families, and survivors of crime.” Delivering trauma-informed care is their priority through which people can get help to take the next step forward. They serve individuals and families, the elderly, the disabled, and the disadvantaged in southwestern and central New York. As CCA Board Member, Sharon Mathe has stated, “We are looking at our role as a community builder not just providing programs but jobs and resources to help people really sustain themselves.” Connecting Communities in Action is located at 25 Jefferson Street, Salamanca, NY, phone 716-945-1041.
Over the past number of years, the Rotary Club of Ellicottville has been a source of hope by providing equipment and monetary support for many local organizations. The Ellicottville Food Bank at The United Church of Ellicottville has grown, creating a need for facility storage and efficiency. Val Germaine, Nancy Rogan and Rev. John Woodring worked with the Ellicottville Rotary to update the entire project. They now have new shelving, storage containers, prep tables, and freezer containers to care for the hundreds of people reliant upon the Food Bank. The Ellicottville Food Bank services the Ellicottville community with a totally volunteer staff and is open Monday 1:00-3:00pm, Wednesday 4:00-6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-noon every week. Share hope by becoming a volunteer. Your assistance or donations are also gratefully accepted at the Great Valley Food Pantry, 4808 Route 219, Great Valley, phone 716-699-2585. The GV pantry is open Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm and again on Saturday from 8:00-10:00am.
“He who plants a tree plants hope.” - Lucy Larcum, 19th century teacher, poet, author
Every year on Arbor Day trees are planted at the Ellicottville Nannen Arboretum to celebrate the legacy of arboretum founder, John Ploetz. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend. The arboretum is located at 28 Parkside Drive, phone 716-474-9801.
Three local opportunities for you to volunteer have been outlined for you. But there are so many other things a person can do to bring hope to others. Call or write a letter to someone who has had a significant impact upon your life. Your outreach may hit them at a time in their life when they need affirmation and hope. Visit the sick and imprisoned. Write them cards and letters. Share your story about overcoming obstacles and finding hope with those who are experiencing down times in their lives. See a need? Lend a hand. Empty nester? Look into fostering a child. Find a homeless person and take them lunch and a bag filled with everyday common necessities that we take for granted. Love animals? Adopt one from a reputable shelter. That, dear reader, is what HOPE looks like.