Volunteerism is Key to Becoming Part of Community

by Sally Gray, Welcome to Texoma July 2005 When I moved here from Austin eight years ago, there were several characteristics about Wichita Falls that I found to be refreshing after living in a large city.

Everyone here is so friendly and kind, exhibiting good family values that are sometimes rare in fast-paced cities such as Austin. Plus, I love the ability to zip from one part of town to another in less than 15 minutes with no traffic congestion. Because I immediately became quite involved in our community, I felt welcomed and safe. Volunteering, I found, was a quick way to form friendships and feel connected to my new city.

Wichita Falls is a unique, medium-sized city with a small town atmosphere that offers a variety of businesses and organizations. Anyone who wants to volunteer can find their niche! They just need the desire and helpful information from well known organizations that have local chapters. Two such organizations are the local Board of Commerce and Industry and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The Board of Commerce and Industry can answer questions and guide one to the right place. The BBB helps prevent unwary citizen from being taken advantage of.

Anyone who is interested in music and the arts can easily become involved, as there are a number of unique organizations locally. And for a city the size of Wichita Falls, there is an amazing display of talent here! The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra and many local bands perform throughout the year at both indoor and outdoor concerts. Wichita Falls artists are probably best known for quilting and other various forms of art that are continually displayed at several local museums. The Kemp Center for the Arts and the Wichita Falls Museum and Art Center are just two examples that would welcome volunteering of an art lover! History is a key element in the "city that faith built", and Wichita Falls boasts several museums one can learn about the famous and infamous and local historic sites. The Museum of North Texas, The Kell House, and the Wichita County Heritage Society are three places newcomers to Wichita Falls can quench their thirst of local knowledge.

Like most newcomers, when I moved to Wichita Falls I spent many hours finding out what fun activities this area offers. It was this quest that led me to purchase a home-based welcoming business. I give welcome baskets to newcomers and tell them about our city and the area. "Welcome to Texoma", like Welcome Wagon, has been around for many years, giving new residents information on what there is to do in our community and how to become involved. If you know of a newcomer who might enjoy a welcome basket, simply contact Welcome to Texoma at 766-0924. Wichita Falls is currently "on the grow", as I am sure you have noticed with the new jobs, homes and restaurants! Tucked inside the welcome baskets are selected business cards/place information, coupons, and/or gifts that let new residents know that the businesses are ready to help them get settled. Sometimes people living here tend to take many places and things for granted, and may forget to tell new residents about them. Berend Brothers' fresh eggs from Windthorst and fresh fruits and vegetables from the Thornberry area are two places newcomers might relish. And who would ever guess that there is a Red River Orchid Society here to "show and tell" orchid-growing?

Camp Fire USA is a service organization that promotes building caring and confident youth, and teaches strong leadership skills. Fond memories and long lasting friendships are continually made throughout the year of planned activities and outings such as overnight campouts and canoeing trips. Camp Fire Day Camp, usually the first three weeks of June, offers campers such activities as archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, cooking over an open fire, singing, hands-on nature and science exhibits, and certified Red Cross swim lessons.

Since 1915, Camp Fire has served the Wichita Falls area teaching all children, pre-school through high school, learn life-building skills and how to become well-rounded and balanced. The professional staff with their positive outlook is one reason I chose to stay involved with this organization as Director of Club Programs. I help train and encourage leaders to take part in our planned activities as well as suggesting new ways of giving service back to our community through our self-reliance program called Gift of Giving Project.

Volunteers here in Wichita Falls are becoming harder to find because of the need for paying jobs, or perhaps even a lack of interest. Volunteering is a commitment, as much as a paying job, but with rewards of fulfilling a need and learning a skill through experience.

As for me, I never thought I would enjoy living in a medium-sized city, and certainly never expected to be so actively involved in a community. But good surprises do come to those who seek them out! I encourage everyone, lifelong residents and newcomers alike, any age, sex or race to get out of your comfort zone - get involved in something of interest to you and do something positive with your life!

The internal rewards you will receive in this lifetime or the next are well worth the fears of trying and failing. You might even touch a life or influence a child to become a great leader! Wichita Falls has many wonderful places to give your time and energy, such as hospitals, churches, museums, schools, and adult and youth organizations. And to all newcomers, pick your niche and become involved. Before you know it, Wichita Falls will feel like home.

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