Glamaour Era magazine Feb 2018 Glamaour Era Feb Edition | Page 22
For
American Legion Auxiliary
(ALA) member Sarah Brooks, who
was recently recognized for
volunteering more than 35,000 hours
in service to military veterans, those
are hours spent offering fellowship,
kindness and attention to those who
made sacrices for our freedom.
Brooks' decades-long dedication to
the military community has helped
hundreds of veterans in the Grand
Rapids, Michigan, area. The veterans
she serves have become her family, her
lifeline and a blessing she never
thought she would receive.
HOW DID THE 91-YEAR-
OLD COME TO DEDICATE
HER LIFE TO SERVING
OTHERS? "IT STARTS
WITH A HELLO,"
BROOKS SAID.
Brooks
shares her time between a veterans home,
ALA-sponsored events and a veterans rehabilitation center. "A hello
can be the bridge to a great interaction and a wonderful memory. In
my 59 years of volunteering, I can say I don't have a favorite memory
from my volunteer efforts because every day is a new and beautiful
experience," Brooks said.
People can give back in many ways, such as donating material items
like canned goods and clothes or offering nancial support. But
giving time is one of the most unselsh actions we can perform. By
becoming personally involved with others through volunteering, we
have the opportunity to deliver simple acts of kindness that can help
others nd healing, support and a new beginning. In addition,
volunteering has real benets for the volunteer. It can provide a sense
of fulllment that benets our minds and bodies. Studies have shown
that people who volunteer live longer, healthier and happier lives.