There are angels among us, and often times they’re hidden behind the success of a project within a business or nonprofit endeavor.
Also known as volunteers, they are people who dedicate hours, months and even years of their time without a paycheck nor the expectation of receiving anything in return. They volunteer for several different reasons, each ultimately wanting to serve their fellow humans.
Paulette Smithmeyer of Peachtree is president and secretary of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96. She spends much of her time volunteering because, “Since a young age growing up, it was instilled in me through my mom and my Slovenian heritage that you volunteer a helping hand whenever and wherever needed without expecting anything in return.
“When I volunteer, it makes my heart happy knowing I put a smile on someone’s face, and that I made a difference in someone’s life even if for one day,” she added.
There’s no limit to what a volunteer can offer to those needing assistance. Time, energy, money and or resources can be invaluable to the recipient.
With volunteer fire departments, the price of saving a life or structure is immeasurable. Members volunteer their time not only training but executing the skills they’ve mastered toward improving the lives of others. Firefighters often sacrifice far more than just what’s observed at a scene.
Art Miller of Ranger, owner of Engineered Retaining Walls, has always volunteered.
“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “We’re here but a short time so I think we’re supposed to love our neighbor. I do it to help my fellow man. We’re all here together like one big family really, care for your brothers and sisters.”
Miller is offering his time and materials to Hurlburt Johnson Friendship House in Murphy, the only homeless shelter within about 100 miles. He is grading the outside grounds to level it as well as building a retaining wall for safety and functional use for the residents, especially children.
Even the proceeds from the snack vending machine in Miller’s office are being donated to the shelter.
Tate Vanegmond works at RidgeRock & Retaining Walls in Ellijay, Ga. The company is donating concrete block for the project.
“It’s part of my Christian duty, and we’re a small company, we like to support the local economy. We believe in helping those out in need,” Vanegmond said.
“The Murphy shelter is so grateful for our kind and understanding neighbors. In many towns, we would not experience such a sympathetic attitude,” shelter volunteer, Amy Nicolson said.
Connie White has lived in the Peachtree her entire life.
“I love my community and genuinely enjoy helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I have volunteered as the senior adults coordinator at Little Brasstown Baptist Church over 17 years. It’s truly been a rewarding experience for me,” she said.
“By volunteering, my desire is to make a positive impact by leaving the world a wee bit better than I found it.”
“I volunteer because I’ve always believed if someone needs help, then you help them. Do what you can, whenever you can to make things go smoothly,” said Jeff Cooper, who was voted the Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022 for his many hours of dedicated service to others.
Volunteers are a sought-after commodity in Cherokee County. Local residents are working to establish and maintain a central list of volunteers, hopefully to be overseen by a government agency. The Cherokee Scout has shared its list with the group.
For a list of agencies seeking volunteers list Cherokee-scout.com/local/volunteers