Volunteers keep organizations thriving

RITZVILLE – Without a cadre of folks willing to invest their time and skills to keep clubs, churches, school-sponsored programs and not-for-profit organizations running smoothly, many would languish.

Others might disappear entirely.

During the week of April 21-27, dubbed "National Volunteer Appreciation Week," volunteers will receive a measure of recognition for their efforts.

President Richard Nixon began the tradition 50 years ago with an executive order, and successive presidents have followed his lead.

This year's theme is Celebrate Service.

Here are just a few examples of volunteers helping out in our community:

Adams County Pet Rescue

This organization has 14 weekly volunteers, two of whom travel monthly from Spokane, according to pet rescue board member and volunteer coordinator Tammy Foley.

"Most of these volunteers spend their time walking dogs, and when dogs or cats need extra attention, volunteers hang out with them, brush, and play with them," Foley said. "Others do laundry and socialize kittens and cats. Some help with fundraising, community events, and spay/neuter clinics. Two retired teachers visit classrooms to teach compassionate animal care.

"Without volunteers the stress on the staff would be considerable. We wouldn't be able to foster animals, attend community events, or have an education program. Most of all, the animals would not receive the much-needed individual attention and exercise that our volunteers provide."

Foley highlighted one such volunteer - Lily, a Connell high school senior.

"She began volunteering in March, but has really wowed us with her dedication to the animals. Lily volunteers twice a week after school and on Saturdays," Foley said. "She seems to know which animals need more than a long walk and will offer to take them to a quiet area for a deep brushing, belly rub and special time together."

Undeberg Invitational Track Meet

According to Track Coach Caitlin Teske, volunteers are the backbone this annual April event. She estimates 45-50 adult volunteers give of their time and talents to make the event a success. Middle school track and field athletes also volunteer at the meet.

"There could not be the Undeberg Invitational without the volunteers," she said.

Calling athletes, measuring jumps and throws, raking sand pits, running computer systems, firing the starting gun, posting results, finish line clerking, moving hurdles - all are staffed by volunteers, she said.

Others are busy working the ribbons, filing t-shirts, staffing ticket booths, announcing events, parking busses and cars and supporting all the visiting coaches with a hospitality room.

Ritzville museums

According to Susie Kirkendall, vice president in charge of the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home, restoration of the home originally fell to a group of individuals aptly named "Antique Annies." She said those early volunteers had the big job of restoring the home before it could be opened to the public.

As reported in the Journal on Apr. 18, 1974, the Burroughs home had a plumbing problem. Water from old, leaky restroom plumbing had damaged plaster in the ancient home. Gideon Bentz, longtime historical home official, reported the problem to the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce. He suggested that the chamber find workers to repair the plumbing problem and clean the home prior to its opening later that year.

Since those early days, Ritzville museums have greeted visitors driving through town and students from area schools.

At the museum's annual meeting last October, two volunteers - Rachel-Ann Miller and Jeff Duval - were recognized by board members.

Kirkendall praised volunteer Miller who dressed in costume at the Burroughs site.

"It's amazing how much passion she brought to that task," Kirkendall said.

Dale Anderson, vice president in charge of the museum board's train depot, shared his gratitude for Duval.

"We decided to rebuild a header box outside the depot. Without Jeff's expertise and tools, that project would have languished for another year," Anderson said.

Although the city owns the museum properties, local government departments tend to be understaffed and overworked, according to Kirkendall.

"Volunteers are essential to keeping the museum open three to four afternoons a week during the summer-Memorial Day through Labor Day," she said. "These museums are near and dear to the community. If we don't get enough volunteers, we may have to open the museums only on prearranged tour dates."

Scouting

"Scouting depends entirely on volunteers," according to Pastor Nathaneil Christman of Ritzville's Emmanuel Lutheran Church. "At the local level, every adult is a volunteer and receives no compensation at all. For a unit to exist, we are required to register five adults. We have two units in Ritzville - a boys unit and a girls unit."

He added that six adults (three men and three women) put in many hours every week. "These individuals have had to pay to register with the BSA, and they have gone through extensive background checks and training," he said. "Some are parents of scouts; some were scouts when they were younger and feel called to give back to the program as adults."

Volunteers serve as mentors at weekly meetings, fill out paperwork, manage troop finances, drive in carpools, staff fundraisers, train youth leaders, teach scouting skills, and provide supervision on scouting adventures.

Others help with Boards of Review - interviews required for scouts to rank up. He said that volunteers are highly dedicated scouters who give of themselves to provide a quality scouting experience for youth.

"Without amazing volunteers, this amazing program ceases to exist," he said.

The Ritz Theatre

In 2017, the Ritzville Downtown Development Association celebrated The Ritz Theatre's 80th anniversary. At that time, volunteer Linda Kubik said, "The community came together and provided labor, volunteers and monetary support to help renovate the theater."

The theater continues to provide entertainment for residents and visitors, and relies heavily on volunteers and donations to continue operating.

Local churches

Whether it's teaching Sunday school classes, singing, playing musical instruments, bookkeeping, cleaning, maintaining aging facilities or serving on church committees, pastors and other leaders depend on volunteers to keep ministries running smoothly.

Without parishioners and members who willingly donate their time and talents, many churches would struggle.

Other organizations

The H. E. Gritman Senior Center, Eagles Aerie, Lions Club, Ritzville Festivals Association, food pantry, fire department, Carnegie library, FFA, 4-H, Bronco Boosters - all rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions and serve the community.

If you're interested in volunteering and would like to learn more, check out the volunteer meeting and rally at Jake's Cafe at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23.