November 28, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

The Gulf Coast hurricanes reminded us all of how important the help and assistance provided by volunteers can be, and how much that aid means to someone who has lost their home. We’ve also seen the dramatic and inspiring spirit of Nebraskans responding to the call for volunteers as our state assisted in national relief efforts.

The desire to reach out is strong in our state, and the holiday season provides another reminder to each of us that there are families and individuals here at home in need our help. My wife Sally and I served Thanksgiving meals to patrons of the People’s City Mission in Lincoln and Omaha’s Open Door Mission this year as part of our effort to reach out and draw some much-needed attention to the ongoing need for volunteers in communities across the state.

Having spent a lifetime in education, Sally has often cited the work of volunteers and how their important contributions helped improve the educational experience for students. The same can be said of our community churches, where my dad has been a lifelong volunteer. Public service and volunteering is important to my family, as it is for many families across this state.

Community outreach organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and many others, benefit from gifts of time just as much as they benefit from donations. In addition, many agencies recruit the volunteers needed all year long during the holiday season.

Statistics indicate that more than 40 percent of all Nebraskans volunteer on an annual basis. Those in need benefit Whether by donating blood, signing up to be part of a Citizen Corps or AmeriCorps project, or lending support for a community improvement effort, volunteering is something we can all do to take an active part in making our state a better place.

No holiday is better-suited for giving than this season we’ve set aside to be thankful for the many gifts and freedoms we as Americans enjoy. My hope is that Nebraskans will join in the effort to make life a little easier for those less fortunate.

I want to stress that the need for volunteers is year-round. I encourage all those with some time to spare or donations to offer to give back to their communities. The knowledge that your efforts have helped another Nebraskan find comfort or provided assistance to someone in need can be personally rewarding. There are plenty of people here in the heartland who could benefit from donations of food, clothing, holiday gifts for children, or just a little bit of our time.

I encourage anyone with questions about getting involved in a local volunteer effort to contact the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission. More information about volunteer opportunities throughout the state is available online at http://www.nvsc.ne.gov or by calling a local school, church or service organization.

With the beginning of the holiday season, it’s also worth remembering that this time of year can be especially difficult for our men and women in uniform and their families. Many Nebraskans have friends or family members serving overseas or training for a mission that will take them away from home in the New Year. I urge all Nebraskans to take the time to say thank you for their many sacrifices. Our nation is a better place because of the work of our service men and women, and the generosity of their families.

Sally and I wish each and every Nebraskan safe travels and the comfort of friends and family throughout this holiday season.