To the Editor:

April 10-16 is designated as National Volunteer Appreciation Week. This week is set aside to thank all the many volunteers who spend countless hours in the classrooms, on the ball fields, in the churches and hospitals, and just about anywhere else that “an extra pair of hands” are needed. Volunteerism has always had a place in American life and we applaud the extensive amount of time and energy committed to helping others.

But the question remains, are we collectively setting volunteerism as a priority? I know that everyone is busy and family time is precious, but are we being dangerously shortsighted by staying at home and hoarding our time? When you serve on a PTA council, you are working to improve your child’s education. When you reach out to a troubled youth, you may be making your own neighborhood safer. One-time-only assignments like baking a cake or collecting pledges for a walk-a-thon are great, but challenge yourself to serve on a board or pledge one morning a week – anything that makes a long-term commitment to causes that try to improve our communities. Think of the changes you can make if you spend just a few hours a week volunteering to help a child, the elderly or the impoverished. If you are interested in doing volunteer work, but do not know where to start, call the Beaufort County United Way at 975-6209. They support over 15 local agencies where your efforts could make a real difference.

THERESA MOORE

Interim Director

Pamlico Pals