Volunteer efforts celebrated

Theirs are the hands that distribute items from food pantries and shoes to needy children.

In honor of National Volunteers Week from April 17-23, Jefferson City not-for-profit agencies recognize the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to serve the community.

A sign outside the Samaritan Center tells its more than 700 volunteers that "(They're) simply the best" with a red and white sign this week, but Marylyn DeFeo, the center's volunteer executive director, said she is thankful for volunteers every day.

Without them, she said the center could not hire enough people to make it run because the budget is dedicated to providing services to the community.

"It's just their urge to reach out and serve people in need," she said. "I think that everybody goes home and feels better that you've possibly made a change in somebody's life."

One of these volunteers, Maxelinda "Maxie" Cleveland, has been volunteering at the center since 1995. She began by working in the food pantry but now answers the phones on Monday mornings while her husband, Guy, helps in the pantry.

She said working at the center makes her realize some of the things people take for granted, like having clean bed sheets, or enough food to eat.

"It's really gratifying feeling to know we're doing something to help," Cleveland said. "It's a way of helping God to do his work."

United Way, another volunteer-run organization, depends on a pool of over 100 people to assist in committees such as fund allocation, campaigns, special events and video said Linda McAnany, president of the United Way of Central Missouri.

One of these volunteers is Judy Alexiou, a program manager with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services who also manages United Way's Dental, Eye and Shoe Program for children as the director of this program's board.

She said she thought the rewards of volunteering to be well worth the amount of time one puts into it.

"If anyone's interested in enriching their lives they need to look into doing some volunteer service for their community," Alexiou said. "No matter what their interest is, there's an organization out there that needs their services."

A former profession sometimes provides retirees inspiration for their volunteer services.

Harriet Camp worked at Goshorn Handicapped Center in the 1970s in Jefferson City during her career as a special education teacher and now enjoys volunteering with mentally handicapped children at the Special Learning Center.

She laughingly said is known as the "bag lady" because she brings her teaching aids in a paper sack when she comes to work with individuals and in classrooms.

"I realize a lot of these children may not remember our names as they get older, but I also realize it's just that little help and that little step of progress that can make the difference," Camp said.

Maxie Cleveland takes one of many phone messages the volunteers at the Samaritan Center will take over the course of a day at the busy location. Depending on the center's needs, she can be found in different locations throughout the building. (News Tribune/Julie Smith photo)