Julia Sheeks knows that it’s the small things we do for others that sometimes have the greatest value. She was reminded of that last year while volunteering with the Salvation Army’s Operation Clothe A Child.
The program is quickly gearing up for its second year of easing the burden on some parents in the community by providing 135 children with $100 worth of new clothes.
Sheeks had been on the receiving end of a similar type of gift as a child, and remembered the positive impact it had on her life. So it was not a difficult decision for her to step out of her comfort zone for last year’s Clothe A Child campaign.
She was paired up with an energetic young boy who had a definite style in mind. “A little skateboarder dude,” Sheeks said. He was full of energy and excited to be shopping for the clothing on his list.
But his face really lit up when he spotted a pair of neon-orange skateboard shoes.
Sheeks realized that this would be the one thing about the day that would stay with that boy for the rest of his life.
“I knew that this was his heart’s desire, and to be able to give him this gift, these neon-orange skateboard shoes, just touched my heart. You’ve never seen a boy’s face so thrilled,” she said. “I wanted him to have that experience of buying something that he really wanted.”
The two of them went through his list, figured out what items he needed the most, and worked it out so that he had enough money left over to get the skateboard shoes.
“The fact that the shoes were on sale helped a lot,” she laughed.
Working with Operation Clothe A Child has opened Sheeks up to further volunteer opportunities through the Salvation Army.
“I received so much more from volunteering, and that was unexpected,” she said.
And she encourages others to make the effort, however small. “You think you don’t have what it takes. You don’t have enough time, you don’t have enough money to give. But the very smallest thing you can do will make so much difference.”
Sheeks will be out shopping again this year, helping outfit a child with their heart’s desire. That might be neon-orange skateboard shoes or just a warm winter coat. Whatever small thing they find, she knows it will have a big impact on that child’s life.
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I have a new job writing profiles of members and volunteers at our local Salvation Army Kroc Community Center. Thanks for reading this, my first article. I hope it inspires you to do some volunteer work in your area.
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Thanks for the inspiration and positive message. Imagine if we all did one small act of kindness each day. A good goal to reach for.
This would be a good service project for our GS troop?
Inspiring profile. Well done.
I was born in CDA! Where are you? Thanks for promoting this important opportunity that exists during the Holidays and most likely the other 11 months out of the year. There are kids in need everyday of the year!