Character First the Magazine

What Can You Give For Your Community?

by Marti Vickery on December 06, 2011

My father’s father, “Grandpa Phil,” served as a justice of the peace for many years. The state troopers would bring case after case in for “court,” as we called it, in Grandma and Grandpa Phillips’ kitchen.

I would not know until years later how many lives he touched. I heard stories from folks in all walks of life, sharing how they had benefited from his benevolence.

Many who stood before him as first offenders were given a second chance…but with stringent expectations, specific directions, or guidelines. Many took his words to heart and turned their lives around. A few came back months or years later to thank him and let him know how his character and benevolence helped them to stay on the right track.

How can you show benevolence to your world?

  • Volunteer hours are urgently needed in every community. Give of your time, even when it’s not convenient. One hour at a local library assisting with a literacy program can change someone’s life.
  • Share your skills or talents with a smaller start-up business or non-profit. For example, an accountant could donate her hourly rate to assist with tax services; a chef might create some meals to donate for a charity event or fundraiser.
  • Mentor others in the neighborhood or begin an internship program.
  • Many people participate in payroll deductions for their retirement plans or stocks. Why not start contributing to charities in this manner?
  • Several companies allow their employees to share accrued family leave with others in desperate need due to illness or loss.
  • Have you ever considered adoption? Contact your local public school. Find out what the teachers and students need, and adopt a classroom!

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Comments

  • Thanks for your thoughts and memories, Karen. I knew you were a careful driver for a reason.

    Posted by Marti , 20/12/2011 1:19pm (2 months ago)

  • Thank you, Elaine, Karen, and Arlene for stopping by. Loving, Grandfathers are indeed a blessing to know.

    Posted by Loren Paulsson, 19/12/2011 10:45am (2 months ago)

  • Another excellent article! I share memories of Grandpa Phil's court, too. Not wanting to embarrass him or be hauled in front of him kept my driving in the right speed zone! I also have been amazed at how many folks he touched and influenced! Thank you, Marti, wonderful article and great ideas for us all.

    Posted by Karen Andross, 18/12/2011 1:33pm (2 months ago)

  • Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts, Aunt Arlene.We are very blessed.Best to you!

    Posted by Marti, 16/12/2011 6:33pm (2 months ago)

  • Thank you, Elaine.Family legacies reach far and wide.As a woman of character, you will enjoy visiting CFThe Magazine and Character First.

    Posted by , 16/12/2011 6:28pm (2 months ago)

  • Nice memories of my dad and the days of kitchen court. You made good suggestions for all of us to share benevolence.

    Posted by Arlene Phillips, 15/12/2011 6:37pm (2 months ago)

  • I am also one of Grandpa Phillips' granddaughters & I agree with Marti - he was a great example of service to his posterity! When I watch my grown sons & their children giving service to others, it is a wonderful thing... Blesses all of the lives involved!

    Posted by Elaine Knecht, 15/12/2011 1:37pm (2 months ago)

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