Page 46 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY
TO Serve From Small

Acts to Big Impact:

How Volunteerism Shapes Lubbock

by Caroline Hensley

t the heart of every spirited closer connections in the Lubbock
community is a loving community. Participants at 806
Aconnection shaped by service ServeFest stated that volunteering
and volunteerism — virtues rooted taught them useful leadership and
in dedication, passion, and empathy. communication skills, the importance of are partnered with 40 West Texas-area
Since 1990, the Volunteer Center of serving others, and how one seemingly middle schools and high schools under
Lubbock has been an outlet for these small act of kindness can positively our Youth In Service Program with the
lasting connections to form. Throughout impact others. intention of motivating all youth to
35 years of changing lives, the VCL volunteer. Within this program alone,
remains as the heart of service in our Emily is also proud and excited to lead over 300,000 service hours have been
community. Through the 693 local the organization into its newest chapter logged on our GetConnected site by
organizations we have partnered with, of development, transitioning our their contributions to serving the South
we strive to connect, empower, and organization into its first-ever stand- Plains.
transform the community through alone building located at 1219 Avenue In addition to these programs, many
purposeful volunteerism and leadership K. With this new development, we other volunteer opportunities are listed
development. are looking forward to hosting on-site on our website which offer appeal to all
volunteer opportunities and meetings
To lead an organization like ours takes for our volunteer programs. ages. Specifically, our From The Heart
a determined and motivated leader Summer Volunteering program brings
who is dedicated to their community. The VCL passionately believes families together through service in the
Having first joined the Volunteer volunteering is important for people of Lubbock community. From The Heart
Center in 2009, Emily Smith has always all ages. Understanding the importance Summer Volunteering takes place every
displayed dedication and purpose in of youth volunteerism, the VCL offers Thursday during the summer months.
everything she puts her mind toward. programs such as Helping Youth These opportunities are designed for
th
As the catalyst and torchbearer of our Purposefully Engage (HYPE) for 11 families to help us further our goal of
organization and the new Executive grade students and Youth For Impact instilling the value of service in people
Director of the VCL, Emily Smith has (YFI) for all high school students of all ages, from the youngest among us
taken on the position with extreme wanting to become involved in their to senior citizens.
determination, launching the first community. Both organizations meet Gretchen, a Summer Fellow at the
annual 806 ServeFest in May 2025. throughout the academic year to do Volunteer Center, says participating
hands-on service projects for local
This event served to craft new organizations, and to learn more about in From The Heart has shown her
community partnerships and to form community service. Additionally, we the impact of “reconnecting families
through service,” and she believes the

46 Lubbock Senior Link