In sports — and in life — we misguidedly overanalyze raw data, often convinced that statistics can tell the whole story.

However, sometimes the numbers actually do just that.

Representatives from the Salvation Army recently spoke to the Niles Noon Optimist Club about the need for volunteers and what these men and women mean to the organization.

The Salvation Army uses volunteers in a variety of ways, including operating the weekly lunch program, managing the food pantry, sustaining the backpack initiative for area children in need and much more.

Not counting the holiday bell ringing, volunteers selflessly donated more than 6,100 hours in 2014.

Now, here are two numbers that will open your eyes: 3,079 and 9.

Nine people contributed more than half of all the volunteer hours last year. Another 16 people volunteered roughly a quarter of the total hours and the remaining 150 or so volunteers contributed the other 25 percent.

This shows how critical the need is for the Salvation Army. The reality is that the 25 people who contributed almost 4,000 volunteer hours won’t be able to do so forever, putting a significant burden on an organization that goes above and beyond helping the community.

Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated incident. Organizations and civic clubs across the area — and ultimately the entire country — face significant challenges with volunteerism.

Spring is almost here (Please. I hope. Maybe?) and that means southwest Michigan and northern Indiana will really come to life with festivals, functions and events. That also means that hundreds of volunteers will be needed to make these quality of life activities happen.

Everyone is starting to work on something, from church groups to civic organizations to annual event committees and everything in between. The problem is you often see the same people helping out at these, as only a select few are willing to make the commitment and sacrifice needed to help move our communities forward.

Some of that seems to be indicative of our fast-paced, hustle-and-bustle society that, I think it’s safe to say, has become a little too selfish. But the rewards that come with community service (and not the kind ordered by a judge) and giving back far outweigh any personal costs.

With so many organizations and so much going on, it truly is an understatement to say that there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Individuals should certainly look for volunteer opportunities with like-minded people; causes that resonate in their heart where they can take advantage of their particular skill sets.

Michiana is a great place to live and it can be even better, but we cannot rely on the government or anyone else to make it that way. If we want the region to reach its greatest potential we all have to start by looking in the mirror and asking ourselves, “What can I do to make a difference?”

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.