Making a Difference

 I was inspired last week after reading Susan Bolan’s monthly column in Viewpoints. She took the opportunity to highlight some of the organizations that she is involved with and reminded readers of the importance of taking part in these organizations. Many are non-profits that are driven by volunteers and without them they might cease to exist. Their importance to the community overall cannot be stressed enough and individuals benefit as well.

I speak from experience. As most know, I’ve been involved with the non-profit Prom Plus since 1999. Though I’ve stepped down as its president, I am still on the board and know that I still have something to offer. However, I also firmly believe that Prom Plus needs to be populated by much younger people – preferably parents and others involved in the school system. After all, my youngest is in his late 20s and expecting his first baby – I’m not exactly the most connected person to our school district.

My focus now is primarily on the Crescenta Valley Weekly … and why not? I started it over 12 years ago and have poured my soul into its success. While I understand that it is a company that demands excellence from a team of people, I also think that it is necessary for me to keep my eyes on just about every aspect of its operation.

And of course there’s the Fire House youth center. Mary O’Keefe has run the center for a decade or more – and let me share with you that it’s not an easy job. Pre-COVID she was there every Tuesday night and every Thursday morning, opening the doors to kids, feeding them dinner and breakfast. I’ll tell you, too, that there were times that donations were pretty slim – especially those earmarked for food. And it takes a lot of food to feed so many kids. But, again, Mary’s youngest is in her early 20s – parents or those in the school system should be volunteering their time so Mary isn’t as responsible.

Let’s talk COVID-19. For nearly two years, many non-profits were adversely affected by the pandemic (I dare you to think of one that didn’t have to close permanently, cancel fundraising or have the number of its members greatly reduced). I know that Prom Plus couldn’t host its very popular Taste of Montrose or bingo nights because of pandemic restrictions. This loss of income will affect how and if we’re able to host a Prom Plus event once the pandemic is over; we might have to wait until we can get some money under our belts from fundraisers.

So I ask you to take a moment to consider where you might want to donate your time. If you don’t have time, money is always welcomed. Thankfully we live in a community that is very giving – both of time and money. The generosity of its residents and businesses has been apparent to me (these last two years especially) and another reason why I’m so proud to call the Crescenta Valley my home.