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If you live in Hammonton, you may not truly appreciate how wonderful our town is when it comes to civic engagement.
Our town has a Rotary Club, a Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, two Order Sons and Daughters of Italy lodges, Woman’s Civic Club, Soroptimist, historical society, education foundation and many more nonprofit civic groups. Add in the religious organizations, and you will quickly realize how impressive our town is when it comes to embracing the volunteer spirit.
Yet, there are some of you out there who don’t volunteer.
Why? I couldn’t say.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
I love getting together with a group and working on a new project.
It is by helping others that we truly help ourselves. Have you ever helped out at a soup kitchen or donated clothes to a charity group. There is a very positive feeling that comes over you when you spend time aiding others.
Besides navel gazing is boring. Look beyond your own walls and help someone else. Stop being a keyboard warrior and actually do something.
Being an active civic member, is more than just writing a check (those are nice too), it is giving of your time and talents.
Groups always need physical help, creative ideas, graphic design skills, youth sports coaches, connections and more. Stepping up is the first step in helping others.
We have people who are in serious need in our community.
Our public schools have centralized resource areas to provide clothing, food and more to students in need.
It started at the high school and has trickled down through the district.
The Hammonton Family Success Center offers so many programs to people who need financial aid, food or just fellowship.
Everyone is busy. But I truly believe no one is too busy to volunteer and give back to the community.
You choose to live in Hammonton for a reason. We are a community of civic-minded individuals. Let’s keep it going.
I think there are only a few organizations that don’t accept new members. Most welcome new blood and new ideas.
When someone says to me that they don’t like the direction Hammonton is heading, I always ask, “Well, how are you working to change things?”
When I am met with stunned silence, I mention volunteering.
A political-minded fellow spoke to me late last year about how they have ideas on how to improve the town. All of the ideas mentioned were political in tone.
I once again suggested becoming an active volunteer. I was met with silence.
“You can study government and politics in school, but the best way to really understand the process is to volunteer your time.” — Rob McKenna
What do I do? I am a member of the Woman’s Civic Club, Hammonton Education Foundation, Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mother Cabrini Lodge 3003 among other things.
If you are looking to keep Hammonton the best community in southern New Jersey or if you are interested in changing it for the better, please send me an email
(grullo@hammontongazette.com) or give me a call (609) 704-1940 and I can help connect you with one of our many civic groups.
Trust me, you will love volunteering.
Gina Rullo is the editor-in-chief of The Hammonton Gazette. In 2022, she was named an “Editor Extraordinaire” by Editor & Publisher Magazine and in 2021 won two awards for investigative journalism.
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