We live in a world where some people have an abundance while others do not. Some people seem most fortunate and some sadly unfortunate. Some people work two or three jobs while other people do not work any jobs. Work is a necessity but not for everyone, some people live simply allowing them to work less and retire earlier than the person living next door. There is no right or wrong answer to this scenario, but it is an interesting thought to ponder.
It is with the above thought that I venture down the road of volunteerism. I personally enjoy the hours I spend helping other people — it is a very satisfying journey that I have included in my life for many years. I like the approach offered by structured organizations such as our local Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Kiwanis. The satisfaction earned at the soup kitchen on a cold winter day while serving a hot turkey dinner is very comforting.
There are many people that simply work their volunteer hours in silence. The opportunities offered in our community are certainly limitless: offering financial donations, housing, clothing or a visit with the elderly. Every minute you contribute to make another person’s life easier is a minute spent well. Yes, times have changed, people have changed too, but the earnest effort and kindness that burns within our hearts is the same today as it was decades ago when our ancestors walked the local streets of New Hampshire.
I recall hearing about epic crop failures due to cold, unproductive summers a century ago. People in our community were facing a long hard winter with starvation a possibility. Word spread to other communities and horse drawn wagons containing corn arrived from as far away as Portsmouth to fend off the sadness. As our soldiers marched off to the Civil War in New Hampshire volunteer regiments, many local women would conduct sewing circles to provide warm socks and mittens to the soldiers as they departed. It is in our nature to help one another — it’s just what people do. We help in different ways when time allows, but ultimately people do help those in need.
I recall a story from 1953 during my grandfather’s generation. There was a gentleman named Thornton Donovan living down on Thorndike Street here in Concord. He spent his life working for the Boston & Maine Railroad and when that fateful day to retire arrived, he wanted to do more. He didn’t choose to sit on his porch in a rocking chair watching the retirement days pass, he searched for a task that would occupy his time while providing some help to people in need. Thornton decided to become a Volunteer Traffic Officer for the city of Concord. The Concord Police Department was very pleased to have him, a splendid gentleman with a happy demeaner. The Concord Police Department gave Thornton Donovan a uniform, a badge and a police hat. He wore a crossed white safety belt and showed up every school day morning early at the corner of Thorndike and State Streets to safely guide the young students attending St. John’s School.
Police Chief Arthur W. McIsaac was quoted as saying “He has been a great help to us in protecting children because we are shorthanded in patrolling all the school areas of the city, he has done a really fine job around the St. John’s School building.” Thorton Donovan spread joy with his smile and safe passage to many children. He inspired other retirees to serve in familiar positions back in 1953. Life leaves all of us with challenges, being a good person and helping other people in need is vital regardless of your generation.
Thank you, Thornton Donovan, for being a nice person, because nice really matters. I encourage my readers to help other people and volunteer where volunteering is needed. Hold the door for the person behind you. Visit the elderly and read a book to a child. Feed the hungry and cloth the cold this winter. Talk to a stranger — you might be the only person that speaks to them that day. Volunteerism will make you happy and content. Smile, don’t scold and make this world a nicer place to be.