To the Editor:
In the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the main character, a downtrodden George Bailey, gets a peek into what the world would look like without him in it thanks to his guardian angel, Clarence.
Through this perspective, George learns the effect his kindness and selflessness has on other people. His compassion meant that others in his town could live with respect and dignity.
The character, played by World War II veteran Jimmy Stewart, is a great example of how it doesn’t take much to profoundly help someone in need and how gratifying it can be to serve others.
I see this every day in my position as the national director of voluntary services at DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Part of my role is to oversee the DAV Transportation Network, where we provide no-cost rides to veterans who otherwise wouldn’t have access to lifesaving and critical Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical appointments.
This service relies on people volunteering their time, often only a few hours a month. But when Covid-19 hit, we lost many of our drivers as the country effectively shut down. Central New York was no exception.
Now, even as things are largely back to normal, many of the Transportation Network vehicles that bring veterans from all over the region to the Syracuse VA Medical Center remain idle, with only half as many volunteers driving as before.
This means there are veterans — your neighbors — who aren’t getting a needed ride or are paying expensive transportation fees for each necessary trip. They need your help.
Would you consider becoming a volunteer driver?
I know how precious a resource time is, but I promise the satisfaction you’ll get in return for gifting even a few hours a month will be greater than the meaningful investment you make.
That was the lesson George Bailey learned: Richness in life doesn’t come from what we have, but from what we give.
You can learn more about driving for the DAV Transportation Network and sign up at driveforveterans.org.
John Kleindienst
Director of voluntary services and active volunteer
DAV
Erlanger, Kentucky