It has been said that the quality of a community can be measured by how its most vulnerable citizens are treated, particularly its children and elderly. One look around the Red River Valley and one can see how truly remarkable our community is. Not only is there a plethora of programs for our young people, countless residents volunteer their time, energy, and love to make sure the elderly are given the kindness and respect they deserve.
Writing an inclusive spotlight on the people that volunteer at area nursing homes would be an arduous task without end. There are many remarkable nursing homes in the F/M area each is filled with people who give of themselves to help others. There is no beginning and no end to the altruism that is exhibited on a daily basis. It is without parallel and mere words do not do it justice. For anyone who has ever volunteered, we thank you.
The following individuals are prime examples of the kind of people that make our community what it is. They are selfless, caring, and generous. Although each story is unique and each woman distinct, there is a common thread of selflessness that connects them all.
Marlis Ziegler discovered her desire to help others at a very early age. “I was in Bluebirds and then Campfire Girls; we called volunteering ‘service projects’,” she said. As Marlis grew up, her service work grew with her. Whether volunteering at her church or helping her children raise funds for their school endeavors, Marlis has a consistent record of service. “I feel that I get more than I give by seeing the smiles and appreciation of those who are served,” she explained.
Marlis has been volunteering at the Golden Living Center in Moorhead for several years. Volunteers at the nursing home provide a wide range of services to the residents, including trimming and polishing fingernails, facilitating games and activities, chaperoning outings to area events, or operating the gift shop. “Volunteers at Golden Living Center are very important to enhance the lives of the residents to make their lives a little happier,” Marlis explained. “There are many dedicated volunteers at the home who put in a great deal of time.”
Virtually every nursing home in the area has stories of priceless volunteers like Marlis. Although the underlying motivation is usually the same, some volunteers focus their talents on specific areas. For example, Virginia Danielson has been in charge of the gardens at Eventide in Moorhead for several years. The arrangement has allowed her to combine her desire to help others with her love of nature and the outdoors. “So many people appreciate taking family members outside,” she said. “I like to help provide them with that space.”
Virginia would like to see more people get involved. “Having someone to chat and joke with means so much to the residents,” she said. “People tend to be a bit fearful, but it is easy to visit with people.” Diane Pearson, a regular volunteer at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, echoes those sentiments. “If you haven’t volunteered yet, I would challenge you to take the step forward and not wait,” she said. “It is so important for both the residents and yourself.”
For Diane, the smiles she sees on the residents’ faces are worth every minute spent volunteering. In particular, Diane enjoys organizing socials. Last week was watermelon baskets and pineapple boats. “They’d never had things like that,” she said. “I just love watching their eyes light up.” Virginia also understands that there is a lot that can be learned from our eldest community members. Listening to their experiences and learning new things is an unexpected upside to volunteering.
Each of these volunteers has a similar call to action for area residents. “Volunteers are a valuable resource to the community and we all have something to offer,” Marlis said. “Years ago I heard a speaker ask the audience to consider the following question: ‘What kind of town would my town be, if everyone in it were just like me?’ I don’t remember the author of the quote, but it had a tremendous impact on me.”
Diane agrees that we all have something to offer. “An hour or two out of your day gives you a great feeling of accomplishment and makes someone smile,” she said. “Everyone has something to give.” For Virginia, it is all about making the world around you better. “There aren’t enough volunteers,” she said. “Days get so long without familiar faces.”
Each of us has a responsibility as a member of this community to do our part in helping others. We are one solidified group that has no beginning and no end; helping each other must be a unified effort. Perhaps businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison summed it up best when she said, “Each one of us can do a good deed, every day and everywhere. In hospitals in desperate need of volunteers, in homes for the elderly where our parents and grandparents are longing for a smile or a listening ear, on the street, in our workplaces, and especially at home.”
