Happiness In Giving

by John H.
(NC, USA)

As it is mentioned in this website, THERE IS HAPPINESS IN GIVING! I volunteered with the fire and rescue department here in my home town for 27 years. I was happy being on the giving side. But in 1997 all that changed.

In 1997, I was faced with possible amputation of my right leg. The doctors here had decided that was the only alternative. Upon a visit to Duke Medical Center, those doctors reversed that decision. To make a long story short, after 2 surgeries at Duke, I was out of work for 7 months, 2 weeks and 2 days. During my tenure with the fire and rescue department I never expected anything in return. But, without some caring individuals, I would have lost everything. I began to worry about home insurance, car payments, car insurance, house payments, not to mention food for the family of five. I worried myself into a rage then realized that I had not come this far to quit now. The next day checks came in the mail, more than enough to cover the bills for that month. They continued to come in to meet the monthly needs every month. Once I was on my feet and back to work, I wanted to repay for the giving I had received.

The fire department heald a fundraiser for me to help with the travel to Duke. I was COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED by the generousity shown by the community. I am proud to be a member of such a kind and supportive community.

Since that time, I have helped in numerous fund raisers to help people young and old.

The most memorable was helping raise money for a 2 year old boy with a brain tumor. The family was devastated and could not make their bills and continue to stay at the hospital with their son. Several friends and I began to talk with members of the family. We began to put together a fundraiser. At first we were cooking 300 lbs of chicken and BBQ'ing 2 pigs. As the word got out, then menu increased to 600 lbs of chicken then 900 and 10 pigs.

Then the worries began. How can we get all this done? I will tell you how, people love to give for a good cause. On the day of the BBQ, we had more than 100 people who volunteered their time. The BBQ and chicken were sold out by 4:00pm. The yard sale, ticket raffles, donations and proceeds from the dinner exceeded my wildest expectations. Then we began to gather the tickets for the food, LP gas, and condiments. We went to pay these expenses and the stores asked that we consider them a donation, also. Several months of work and a lot of help from the community netted almost $33,000.00. WOW, God is so good.

I LOVE BEING ON THE GIVING SIDE!!!

Once again, this website is TRULY INSPIRATIONAL. It is very evident you have placed much time and thought into this. Thank you with all of my heart.

John H.