Business Entrepreneurship Leads to Volunteer Opportunities

One of the unexpected joys of starting my own business is the opportunities I now have, to give back to my community. When I was working as an employee, I did not have the flexibility or resources to find volunteer opportunities because my activities needed to support making money for the company. Now I do not have to choose between working at my business and working to make our community a better place to live.

At the top of my list of organizations I wanted to join was the Rotary Club of Granada Hills. For those that are not familiar, Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide service to their local communities, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace. The organization’s principal motto is: Service Above Self.

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Since joining in March 2020, the projects that I have been able to be involved with were in partnership with Councilmember John Lee and other members of the Council District 12 community. In April 2020, we assembled and made face shields for the doctors and nurses at Northridge Hospital. This was also an opportunity for me to introduce my high school age son to community service.

The second is a pilot program which I am excited to be a part of:  Lunches with Love. This is a meal delivery program for individuals experiencing homelessness in the northwest San Fernando Valley. This program aims to enlist the help of everyday residents to serve those experiencing homelessness and let them know they are not invisible and not forgotten. The Rotary Club of Granada Hills is just one of several other community organizations that are participating. Initially, Lunches with Love will provide care packages twice a month. Each meal consists of fresh, wholesome meals, hygiene kits, and a personal message of hope from the donor. For my part, I made 12 sack lunches and had my son decorate the bags to help bring cheer, and perhaps a keepsake, to the recipient.

“We hear numbers about our homelessness crisis all the time and it’s easy to forget that those numbers represent real people who have fallen on hard times,” said Councilmember Lee. “The purpose of Lunches with Love is to show our unhoused neighbors that we see them, and that they matter.”

Much to my surprise, I was recently awarded The Fresh Face in Rotary Award by my club for being the most active new member. I was pleased to receive the award and my “Do Goodery” pin. It has been my joy and pleasure to be able to give back to the community that supports my business. I look forward to finding other ways to be of service.

So, what volunteer activities do you like? If you want more information about the Rotary Club of Granada Hills or just want to talk about volunteer opportunities in the San Fernando Valley, email me at mary@peacockprintco.com. Visit my website MaryThePrinter.com or call me at 562-PEACOCK (732-2625). Mention offer “Volunteer” to receive a FREE 2’ x 5’ banner with your first time order.