VOLUME II – Welcome to 2011!

Dear South Jersey,

Well, I know it is a little cliché, but I have to ask… What’s your New Year’s Resolution? For some, it may be to drop that extra weight after a stressful and grueling holiday season. For others, it may be to finally open that business you’ve been thinking about. There are even some people that don’t want to go near a New Year’s Resolution, because of its connotation or because of miserable past experiences.

Whatever it may be, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors for 2011!

But, I know, simply from a little bit of feedback from Volume I, that some of you will be joining me on my journey to explore the world of volunteerism.

A warning to the impatient… You ever hear that slogan… “Good things come to those who wait?”

Well, it’s partially true. If you’re jobless or without a passionate and fulfilling relationship in your life, I wouldn’t suggest waiting around until it falls into your lap. That’s not the way the world works. However, if you are proactive and stay on top of your tasks, and can be patient in waiting for people to find time for you, you will have much success.

You see, as I’ve begun my trek, I certainly am finding that it is not easy.

With wide eyes and an open heart, I began calling and e-mailing volunteer organizations throughout the South Jersey region shortly after writing Volume I. Unfortunately, the business of the holidays brought me some unfortunate luck in not being able to find the right people to speak to. However, I did receive an overwhelming response within the next two weeks.

Therefore, despite the fact that I’m starting two weeks later than I wanted to, I must say that the organizations I’ve already spoken with have been quite accommodating to my itinerary. So, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to our first trip inside the tummy of one of Burlington County’s largest philanthropic organizations… The United Way!

On Jan. 18 I will be visiting the Burlington County branch to meet with the marketing director, Kara Thornton, the president Bruce Conway and the director of community impact, Dawn Rademan. Ms. Thornton has been of much help to me, and explains the United Way as a yearly campaign that raises $5 million for various partner agencies and programs throughout the county.

Wait a minute… Did I just say $5 million just for Burlington County? Yes. Yes, I did.

“The money raised stays here!” Thornton said. The entire campaign is volunteer run, which means that almost 1500 volunteers can be working at one time, in the busier months.

Personally, the United Way is a special cause for me, as my lovely and charming girlfriend of over two years was heavily involved with the campaign in Pennsylvania throughout October and November of 2010. She opened my eyes to what a solid team of people can do to help. So, when I was able to book the United Way as my first volunteer opp for The Do-Gooders’ Diary, I thought, “What better way to break in this project?!”

So, stay tuned, because on Jan. 22, you’ll get to hear all about it!

In other related news, here are some of the other organizations I’ll be hitting up in the near future:

The Medford Arts Center (www.artsinmedford.org) – Medford, N.J. – [First visit Jan. 20]

YMCA Camp Ockinickon (www.ycamp.org) – Medford, N.J. – [First Visit Jan. 31]

The Yellow Ribbon Club (www.yellowribbonclub.org) – Marlton, N.J.

Paws Farm Nature Center (www.pawsfarm.com) – Mount Laurel, N.J.

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge (www.cedarrun.org) – Medford, N.J.

Make sure you find me on Facebook, and please feel free to e-mail me at kjhaslam@gmail.com. If you are a volunteer organization that would like to be featured, please contact me via e-mail. Thanks and stay warm and safe in the snow!

Yours,

Kevin Haslam