Happy New Year friends and fellow volunteers!

Forget all of the dire financial predictions and projections of doom and gloom; at 5th Bridge, we believe that if we all work together and focus on the positive, 2009 can be one of the best years ever.

The marking of the New Year is a time to reflect on our experiences of the past year and to make plans and set goals for the new one. It is a perfect time to let go of habits that hold us back and to establish or strengthen habits that help us use our individual gifts and talents to grow as human beings.

When I reflect on our recent holiday season, one of the greatest joys I experienced was seeing the multitudes of people who gave of their precious time to volunteer.

• What fun it was to see both new and familiar faces ringing the Salvation Army bell at the grocery stores.
• The generosity and caring that I observed at the Community Action Center’s Christmas Sharing brought tears of joy to my eyes.
• The Community Christmas Dinner at St. John’s Church was well attended and had plenty of volunteer help.
• Nearly every Thursday, volunteers prepare and serve a communal meal at the NCRC for Thursday’s Table.
• Over 200 people participated in the Jingle Bell Run and helped raise $3,200 for Thursday’s Table.

As a 5th Bridge pledger, you have made the commitment to volunteer at least five hours per month and if you are following through on that personal goal, then you either know or are discovering how service and giving to others enriches your life, as well as the lives of the people you serve. Going forward I hope you will join us in reaffirming your commitment to service in 2009.

Here are a few simple things you can do to make 2009 a great year and to help our community thrive in spite of an uncertain economy.

• Help your neighbors. If someone is going through hard times, do whatever you can to help them.
• Give generously. If money is tight, be creative – have a garage sale or donate unneeded clothing or household goods.
• Volunteer your time and share your gifts and talents. 5th Bridge can help you find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you – visit www.5thbridge.org to get started.
• Celebrate volunteerism in our community. Do you volunteer with someone who inspires you? If so, recognize their contribution by writing a one- or two-paragraph story about that individual and posting it on our website, www.5thbridge.org. It is very simple and only takes a few minutes, but kind words go a long way in thanking our hard-working volunteers.
• Encourage others to volunteer, especially if they have been laid-off or are discouraged. Be a mentor and inspiration to someone who doesn’t usually volunteer. One of the top three reasons why people do not volunteer is because no one has asked them. Invite someone outside of your normal volunteer circles to participate in a project with you. Encourage them to take the volunteer pledge on our website and we will help you to keep them involved so they too can experience the wonderful benefits of volunteering.

Thank you for caring, serving and giving. Together we will make 2009 the best year ever!

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge