Help Without A Hammer
Making the Most of Her Time: Lisa Hendrix on Volunteering
A few years ago, Lisa Hendrix of Belton, SC, found herself unable to work. Lisa suddenly had plenty of time on her hands – time she didn’t want to waste.
“I went on fulltime disability, and then I started praying about what I could do with my time.”
A short time later, Lisa approached friend and fellow church attendee Nick Kulick, Operations Director at Rebuild Upstate about volunteering, stating that she was willing to do anything but construction. Nick was delighted and welcomed her to the team.
“I’d heard about the need for home repairs through the Salkehatchie and Santahatchie programs, but that was only 4 or 5 projects a year.”
“Now I understand the need is so much greater. I feel I’ll never be able to do as much as I’d like.”
Lisa currently volunteers about 5 hours per week of her time—depending on Rebuild Upstate’s event schedule – during which she completes a range of administrative tasks.
“I started out doing general office work, and my role has grown to include taking inventory, assisting with fundraising events, and interviewing potential project recipients as part of the First Impressions Team.”
There are plenty of people to interview. Last year, Rebuild Upstate received over 1,800 requests for assistance. The people we do help are impacted profoundly, and even though Lisa doesn’t volunteer her time in the field, her work for us is a vital part of our ability to make a difference.
“Volunteering has made me feel blessed. Though I no longer have the income to get a bigger, better home, I’m thankful for the home I do have. It’s given me empathy toward those who cannot afford home maintenance.”
Like many of our volunteers, Lisa has experienced the feeling that it’s a greater blessing to be the one serving than to be the one served. She would love to see a few others join her in giving a few hours a week to Rebuild Upstate.
“Even several hours of your time makes a big difference. You don’t have to be skilled in construction to help. I always say that even if you can’t volunteer or donate a lot, every little bit helps.”