Community
ished families. I participated when I was ten years old and, again, two years later. Each time was an exciting adventure, in which I helped families grow. With every act of volunteerism, there is a rewarding feeling knowing that I made a difference for people — strangers who later became my friends. The feeling after volunteering is nothing
compared to the impact of volunteering. Before I volunteered, I never imagined how helping people could inspire them. When I helped build a house in Mexico, the family had a safe place to live and a whole new world of opportunity opened up for them. Because of the place they live in now, the parents can go to work and the kids can go to school, without worries of homelessness. Knowing that someone is out to assist you is far more valuable than any material possessions. Another important aspect of volunteer-
ing is fi nding a cause that you believe in strongly and to which you want to devote your time. After seeing how people lived in Mexico, I only wanted to help them more, to lift them out of poverty. A true sense of wanting to help others is what makes a dedicated volunteer. Volunteering can make you a better
person. One of the lessons I have learned from volunteering is not to take your life for granted. What we have in our lucky community is not always available to oth- ers. I have also learned to be kinder and more willing to help others. Finally, volun- teering has helped me work better with others. When people work together to- ward a common goal, they learn to handle the challenges of working in a group. Volunteering is important in everyone’s
life. It shapes people to be better role models and helps get work done. Being
Ready, Set, Grow 95
Left: The Knurek Family helped build a house through Homes of Hope and Youth; below: Cameron hammers while mom Kathy assists
part of the future generation, I think it’s time for people to get involved in helping their communities — close to home and around the world.
Cameron Knurek, 13, lives in Fishers, IN, with his family and two dogs. When not volunteering, Cameron enjoys school, art and swimming.
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