YMCA Volunteers Reap Rewards Of Service
The YMCA of South Boston-Halifax County is like one big, happy family for its volunteers, including Clarice Buster, Dan Cline and Barbara Edgar.
Buster has volunteered at the “Y” for about two and one-half years, while Cline and Edgar are both veteran “Y” volunteers.
Buster said the YMCA is “a great place to volunteer.”
“I started doing water aerobics after a back injury in 1992 and in 1994 I became disabled,” said Buster, adding the YMCA has given her a new lease on life.
“People think that because they’re disabled, there’s nothing to do, but the YMCA gave me a different view,” said Buster.
“That’s why I chose to become a volunteer because I liked what I saw in the YMCA staff in that they give back to the community.”
Buster said that she currently assists with the Learn to Swim program, not only because the time in the pool helps her back, but also because it gives her a chance to help high school kids learn to swim.
“That’s what the YMCA is all about,” noted Buster. “I have a chance to give back to the community and the YMCA lets its volunteers know that they are appreciated, even if they are disabled.”
Buster also volunteers in the gym by showing members how to use the different equipment, in addition to assisting with Healthy Kids Day and Active Older Adults Day.
“The YMCA is always looking for ways to involve the community and that’s my reason for being a volunteer,” said Buster.
“Helping others is what I like to do.”
Helping others is the key reason Dan Cline volunteers his time at the YMCA.
Cline has volunteered at the local YMCA for eight years, having served on the membership committee the past five years. Before that, Cline was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors.
A long-time Virginia State Trooper in Halifax County, Cline agreed with Buster that volunteering is a good way of giving back to the community.
“Giving back to the community makes you feel good about yourself,” said Cline, who volunteers for everything from the Learn to Swim program to helping older adults get to their vehicles across a snowy or icy parking lot.
“I do just about anything they ask me to do, from putting away weights in the gym to escorting ladies to their cars and helping with Career Day as part of my profession as a State Trooper,” said Cline.
Cline described volunteering at the “Y” as actually being therapeutic for him, considering what he does for a living.
“I see a lot of negative things in my job as a police officer,” said Cline, noting such things as giving tickets and working accidents.
“That’s mostly negative, but here it’s all positive. People thank you for giving your time and efforts, it makes them feel good and it makes you feel good.
“I spend about 10 hours a week here, it’s really therapeutic, and I really enjoy it.”
“Everyone here is one big family and this has become my second home,” added Cline.
“Particularly in the winter months, when I’m not at home I’m usually here, especially in the morning.”
Edgar, who moved here from Boston, Massachusetts, about 12 years ago, has volunteered at the YMCA ever since then.
An avid runner since the age of nine and a three-time marathoner, she has been the YMCA co-race director for the past two years, coordinating both the YMCA 5k Run-Walk and Harvest Fest 5K- Run/Walk.
She currently serves as Race Director for the upcoming YMCA 5K Run/Walk, taking place this year on June 10.
It is a setting where she can combine her love of running and her career as a dietician to encourage healthy lifestyles, said Edgar.
“I know that unhealthy lifestyles are a huge problem, and I see a lot of people with heart problems and diabetes, explained Edgar.
Obesity, especially among children, has also become a problem, she added.
“I never had a biscuit before I moved here, it’s a completely different dietary culture in the South.
“Moderation is a key, as well as diet and exercise. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise can mitigate a lot of health problems, and a healthy lifestyle can keep health care costs down,” she continued.
“You can really make a difference in someone’s life, and motivation is a key,” said Edgar.
“Just a simple ‘thank you’ keeps me going.”
Marcus M. Hargrave, chief executive officer of the South Boston-Halifax County YMCA, said the efforts of volunteers help ensure a level of service comparable to many well-financed health facilities.
“As a federally recognized non-profit, we are required by law to serve a significant portion of the population,” began Hargrave.
“We cannot charge what some elite health clubs charge for comparable services, so our volunteers help to keep costs down so that everyone can participate.
“It takes a big individual to give of themselves and expect nothing in return, and our volunteers are an inspiration to me and all the staff at the YMCA of South Boston-Halifax County.”