Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Caring for America's Heroes www ...

VOLUNTEER
PAY
The following article is reprinted from the June 1983 Courier.
The author is unknown.
21
Home News
Many times folks have asked me, “Do you get paid for what you do at the veterans
home?” My answer has been “Certainly not—I am a volunteer.” That statement
started me thinking and I realized I was NOT giving the correct answer. Certainly,
I get paid!
I get paid when a member says “Thank you” for an eagerly looked-for letter. I
get paid when I get a smile for arranging a bouquet of flowers after freshening the
water.
I get paid in the satisfaction of knowing what may seem like a very insignificant
task—helping a member steady a cup—is actually at that moment the most
important thing in the world.
I get paid in knowing since there are people who must depend on others for help,
that I can give some part of that help. I get paid in the friendships I have made
and the associations I have enjoyed at the Veterans Home because I know these
people feel the same way I do—strong friendships makes one feel secure and no
amount of money can buy friendship.
There are many things in life which have no price tag and on which there is no
room for a dollar sign. It is a small part that I play in this big wide field of service,
but do you know something? I feel that I am the richest person in the world. No
one can offer me another job at a higher salary as there is no better paying job for
me. Do I get paid? CERTAINLY, I GET PAID!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King,
please contact Vicki Ponedel at (715) 258-5586 x2369 for more information.