Did you know April is National Volunteer Month?

The Businessolver Foundation is pleased to dedicate a month to recognizing the importance to volunteer service and how it can make such an important impact. Communities across the United States have celebrated National Volunteer Week since 1974, when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the second week of April as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. president has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.

I had the opportunity to talk with one of our employees, Mike Kellar of Des Moines, who has been volunteering all his life. Mike truly lives the spirit and joy of volunteerism and it is clear why it has always been a priority in his life.

How did you start volunteering?

Volunteering has always been important in our family, specifically to my father. One of the many lessons my dad taught me was to give back to our communities. Most importantly he taught me by action. After his retirement from Younkers, my dad volunteered for the Red Cross for many years. He worked mostly behind the scenes ensuring the teams had the equipment and inventory they needed to successfully do their jobs.

I admired my dad for his dedication and service to not only the Red Cross, but to several other organizations as well.

In that spirit, I volunteer when and wherever I can. This includes:

1. St. Boniface Catholic Church, serving as a catechist, lector and others positions.
2. Knights of Columbus (through St. Boniface), volunteering with Fish Frys, community clean-ups and other programs.
3. Little League Coach for over 5 years.
4. Businessolver (Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, Make-a-Wish plus others).
5. Lambda Chi Alpha (Simpson College) currently serving as the Alumni Board President.

Why do you volunteer?

I enjoy not only being a part of something much bigger than me, but helping others with their needs and requests. It’s being able to help someone realize their potential or give them a hand-up so they can pay it forward and help others. Lastly, what’s really fulfilling is passing on the lessons and passion for helping people to my two sons Ethan and Colin. They work with their schools and our church to give back to our communities. I love how they enjoy giving back as much as I do!

The Businessolver Foundation encourages you to join people like Mike and make volunteering in your community something you participate in all year round. Non-profit organizations, even in our current times of COVID, are always in need of volunteers. From serving meals to building houses or even participating in a fundraising committee or board, volunteering will not only improve the lives of others, but it will enhance yours.

For more information, please check out our Businessolver Foundation page.