Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
National Volunteer Month recognizes the value and impact of volunteers, which includes many of our neighbors here in Robson Ranch. These selfless individuals bring hope to others and help to make our communities better, and throughout Denton County, they find many available opportunities to serve their neighbors through volunteering. Even during the pandemic, volunteers made themselves available to help others, including the Texas Motors Speedway COVID-19 vaccination drive-through clinic. This spirit of service is something that makes Denton County, and Robson Ranch specifically, a special place to call home.
Volunteer opportunities abound here at the Ranch, and in today’s column, we’ll mention a few to get your servant’s heart beating. The contact person for each group mentioned can be found in the directory, should anyone wish to become a volunteer.
The Robson Women’s Club has two ongoing volunteer projects: Denton County Food Center and the Friends of the Family. These organizations always can use more volunteers. For more details, contact Club President Nancy Garre-Caldwell.
About two dozen men are members of the Links Players Bible Study, part of a national organization, which meets Monday mornings. They also offer their “manly” services to other Robson residents with a need for simple household chores such as changing light bulbs, moving furniture, etc. To help with providing these services, contact John Bennetsen.
Several of our residents volunteer as mentors in Denton schools to make a difference in a child’s life. They usually spend about 30 minutes helping with homework or just offering emotional support or reading to younger children. Teens also need mentoring, and Community in Schools North Texas can help you find the right match at www.cisnt.org.
The Material Girls are seamstresses, of course, who make various items, including Quilts of Valor for veterans, Christmas stockings for Cumberland Children’s Home, and baby shower boxes for the expectant wives of servicemen who are deployed abroad. Marguerite Rose is the contact if you’d like to sew with the Material Girls.
Many of us here in Robson donate our gently used clothing to the Justin Community Clothes Closet where families can shop with no charge. Linda Smith also reports that thousands of children received new shoes last school year purchased with the proceeds of their annual fundraiser.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Denton County is another great opportunity to give back to those in need. This organization provides trained community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Several Robson residents have been carefully trained and then participated in this impactful program. They serve as Guardians Ad Litem in court after Child Protective Services has removed children from their homes. Find out more at casadenton.org.
These programs that we have mentioned are but a few of the opportunities available, but we hope we have started your thought processes so that you can begin your own volunteer journey.
Being a volunteer is a way to give to others, but the volunteer also receives something in return. Some volunteers discover a new passion through their service. Research shows that volunteering also reduces stress, anger, and anxiety, helping them to live happier, more fulfilled lives.
Volunteering also provides a path to connect with others. The common bond of volunteering often forges newfound friendships and brings people together who might not otherwise cross paths. So, celebrate this month and give a gift to yourself—become a volunteer.
Commissioner Dianne Edmondson is a Robson Ranch resident, and you may reach her by email at [email protected] or phone her at 972-434-3960. You can also stop by her office in the Southwest Courthouse, 6200 Canyon Falls Drive, Suite 900, in Flower Mound.