United Way recognizes outstanding volunteers

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- You may be familiar with the phrase time is money, and for the many volunteers at the United Way, those are two vital assets within their organization.

The United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties (MPM)  aims to recognize the impact their volunteers have; not only in their organization, but also in the community as a whole.

“The community volunteers that we have here at United Way really do dedicate their time,” said Katie McNeil, Director of Resource Development at United Way of MPM. “They have a passion for the community, as we do as well.”

Chad Daniels, Diane Jones and Mary Kitzig are all volunteers with the United Way who donate more than just a monetary contribution.

“This is really an opportunity for me to help give back to the community also just be a part of a bigger organization that’s really looking at a wholistic view,” said Chad Daniels who is a loaned executive with the United Way of MPM.

As stated by the organization, the mission of the United Way of MPM is to provide strong leadership in uniting volunteers, agencies and resources to help meet community needs.

“This is our community we need to take ownership of that we need to be involved we need to help those that are in need and help those organizations that are doing good work,” said Daniels.

Progress is something that not only takes volunteer time, but active involvement and McNeil said these volunteers are well aware of the cooperation necessary to work toward improving the community entirely.

“Nobody can do this alone and so it takes the collaboration of schools and business and agencies and other communities because it’s just you can’t do it alone,” said Diane Jones who gives her time as a board member with United Way of MPM.

Investment most commonly triggers thought of a monetary gain, but for one volunteer, it’s a different result that creates her joy.

“When we think of pay, we think of money. For me the pay comes in the smiles and the thank you’s and seeing our community growing and getting better,” said Mary Kitzig who volunteers as a board member with United Way of MPM.

All of these featured volunteers, believe that taking time out of their lives of full-time jobs and families to give back to their community, is just another part of life.