Editor’s note: The Rev. Jim Mcintosh is president of the Liberty Regional Homeless Coalition, a group of volunteers whose goal is to help those less fortunate. He wrote this in advance of the group’s biggest annual fundraiser, Saturday’s “Easter Walk for Shelter.”
Hope to see you there.

The Liberty Regional Homeless Coalition is an organization of all volunteers, who give countless hours every month to see that our programs get developed and put into action.
Volunteers are the backbone of any community organization. They provide the staff for events, they get the word out to friends and families, they make time to help people in need by working in food pantries, clothing drives, and yes, they also help keep the leadership focused on the mission at hand.
We are blessed with a wide variety of people who come from every walk of society. They make our mission possible.
Since 2012, I have had the privilege of volunteering for the Coalition. First as 

the coordinator for the Annual Walk for Shelter, and now as President. No one ever told me that volunteering was going to be a full time job, but it’s what gets me up in the morning and going until dinner time. I could not have asked for a better opportunity to volunteer.
At the beginning of 2017, the Coalition had only 15 volunteers, and today, we have 184 individuals who give of their time and resources, all to serve those in need.
When asked why they volunteers, they all have the same basic answer, “I want to give back to my community, that has given so much to me. Here a few of our volunteers and what they had to say.
Melinda Schneider, Midway:
“There are so very many needy people who need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. When you volunteer to help those in need, you get back so much more than you give. An added bonus is the opportunity to work with others who care about their fellow man.”
Misty Schmitt, Midway:
“I volunteer with the Coalition because I believe that at some point in everyone needs a little help, no matter how insignificant. I think that volunteering gives back to my community, makes it better. Volunteering also makes me a better person by giving me the opportunity to keep an open mind and heart. It helps me to remember to show compassion to all.”
Sabrina Newby, Hinesville:
“People choose to volunteer for a vast number of reasons; I wanted to volunteer because it allows me to give back to our community and make a difference, and I’m honored to be able to assist this tremendously wonderful organization that impacts the lives of those in need either directly or indirectly.”

Tracy Smith, (FatherTime), Ludowici:

"I volunteer my services with The Homeless Coalition because I know what it's like to not have. I come from New York City and living there was hard. I was homeless for a bit. But by Gods Blessings and Good Grace, I am now in a better position. I have all that I need. So, it is my duty, as a child of God to give back the best way I know how and being a part of the Coalition is just
one way of showing that I wanting for my fellow man what I want for myself. I find it to be rewarding and satisfying to be able to help someone in need. I Thank God for the opportunity.

The satisfaction that comes with volunteering can make all the difference in anyone’s life, it gives you a sense of purpose in knowing that you have had an impact on your community."

In closing, we say to our volunteers, thank you for all you do for our community, you make it possible to keep the promise of Matthew: 25: 37-40.