by Sara Michelle Earley
A group of volunteers from the GREA (Georgia Retired Educators Association) and other volunteers answered the call when Roger Jackson of Motivating Youth Foundation requested their assistance in his efforts to give back to the community honoring those who give so much of themselves daily within their professional walks of life, along with other special individuals he feels that are under-recognized. His motivation to do so came about from seeing the inspirational work being done by his Wife and Son, in Charleston, South Carolina through his Son’s organization, The Carlos Dunlap Foundation.
On Saturday, September 16th, marked the 5th event where Jackson invites guests from a chosen sector of public service professionals and other certain individuals for a day of shopping. Each registered participant is rewarded with the opportunity to select from brand-new merchandise ranging from apparel to home furnishing items. Once, they are greeted, they are assigned a personal guide to assist them. After making their selections, a different group of volunteers are available to carry items and load them into their vehicles. It was plain to see the effort put forth in making sure the event was orderly and pleasurable for the attendees.
The invitees selected on this occasion were from the Macon-Bibb County’s Sheriffs Department of Deputies. A Sheriff I spoke with and asked how he felt when receiving his invitation, Seth Vonderhuevel, said “I didn’t know what to expect.” He joined the Department in 2019 after spending four years in the United States Airforce. Jackson says that he knows most people feel that way and is certain the experience surpasses what they might have thought. He said, “It feels outstanding to give back to the community, to show someone is thinking about them and to reward them with a day of shopping.”
After speaking with several volunteers, the continual sentiment was the delight they all felt in coming together and working to show their appreciation and seeing it reciprocated in the smiling faces of those being served. “It is a pleasure to give back and to see the joy it brings. It is rewarding work and healthy, being a way to exercise.”, said Janice Habersham. She and the retired educators distribute and divide the plentiful materials. In speaking with Cheryl Kelly-Amanugi, she reflected on the time she was a guide in assisting an invitee, whose disability had prevented her from being allowed to shop and pick out things on her own prior to that day. “Seeing her self-sufficient brought tears of joy.’”, she said. They all agreed that the fulfillment it brings, makes this as rewarding for them as it is for their guests. Also, having worked in those fields, Mr. Jackson shows them his appreciation by gifting them as well.
Motivating Youth Foundation, along with United Way of Central Georgia, a contributing donor, is honored to hold this event each time and considers it as a privilege to do so. “The unnoticed such as Teachers, Senior Citizens, and Law Enforcement …. the least thought about, but really build our community.” Jackson said. This is who he looks to give recognition to. He also has invited Caregivers whereas Cheryl Moore, with The Macon Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. who is also a volunteer, said, “They were fed lunch and treated to much needed pampering and attention.” A welcomed treat for those that spend much of their time attending to the needs of others. All in all, coming together to serve those that either serve or need service does amazing things for each of those whom are involved. As Jackson said,” Blessings are spiritually, not only financially.” When I asked him what it is that he reflects on after each event, he said “We did it again, brought a smile to their faces. They are appreciative.”
Moving forward, he looks to provide this opportunity on a monthly basis.
