Friday, May 10, 2013

Recognizing Mother's Day and My Mom: Volunteer Extraordinaire

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor and proud daughter of Jennifer Enders 

Catherine Carlton & her mom, Jennifer Enders
My mom is the ultimate volunteer. And I have her to thank for one of the main reasons I volunteer for community organizations such as the Red Cross. 

Ask her to do something, and she’s not just immediately saying yes, she’s adding to your request with suggestions on what else she can do to help.

Being her daughter – this has its privileges as well. 

“Can you pick up Jeffrey from school?” 
“Yes, and I have made pasta and a salad for you for dinner.” 

My mom belongs to many groups (both here in Texas and in California where she splits her time) and is always one upping herself on what else she can do to help others.

She not only wants to help the organization, she does special things to recognize her fellow volunteers. She does “tribute” cards to thank volunteers of the Music Center in Los Angeles and soon will be bringing this lovely tradition to the Newcomers Group of Arlington. She is always the camera woman taking photos so she can do a tribute DVD to highlight the people making a difference. 

But really it comes back to her desire to give back. 

She delivers Meals on Wheels. She is a docent at three nonprofits. And she gives her time to many more. 

She often quotes Erma Bombeck when she describes why volunteering is important. 

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another." 
-Erma Bombeck

Following that quote, that means I reflect my mom.

And I am so proud to do so as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Happy Mother's Day. 

To begin your volunteer legacy with the Red Cross, join us at redcross.org/dfw.

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