"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." ...Winston Churchill

There are as many different reasons for volunteering as there are people who volunteer, but those who donate their time and talents for the benefit of others are unanimous in saying, "I thought I was giving, but I received more than I ever gave." This session will introduce participants to volunteer opportunities in the community. Whether you are old or young, there is a place for you to serve your fellow citizens.

The Asheville VA Medical Center has an extensive volunteer program for all age ranges. Adults assist with patient services, transportaion and records. During the summer, a Youth Program places students in volunteer positions throughout the hospital. Darlene Laughter, Director of Volunteer Services, will explain the many ways you can volunteer to serve and honor those who have served our country.

Project Linus is a national, all-volunteer, ogranization that makes handmade blankets for critically ill and traumatized children. Today, over 2 million beautiful blankets have been donated to children. Project Linus has donated a blanket to every child of a veteran who has been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Sandy Bendzen, coordinator of Project Linus of Western North Carolina, will be on hand to show you how you can bring comfort and security, through a blanket of love, to a needy child.

When, because of abuse or neglect, the courts remove a child from his or her home, the court appoints a Guardian ad Litem for the child. Guardians ad Litem investigate cases, write court reports and speak, in court, for the child. These specially trained volunteers are the voice of the child in court. Becoming a GAL volunteer is a way to change a child's life- and yours! Mary May, Director of the Guardian ad Litem program for North Carolina's 30th Judicial District, will tell you how to become involved in this rewarding opportunity.

The Education programs of Western North Carolina AIDS Project are very diversified and are targeted to special groups such as teenagers, women, gay and bisexual men, lesbians and transgendered people, minorities, substance abusers and the mentally handicapped. They are broken into two major programs: Project Safeguard (Men's programs) Women and Minority Outreach Michael Harney will be on hand to give in-depth information on volunteering in your community.

Teaching children that it's just as wonderful to give as it is to receive may not be easy, but once they understand the concept, the rewards can last a lifetime. Children have many talents that are often overlooked or taken from granted, but the universal gift- time- is something all children have. Walker Miller, age 9, will explain a variety of ways in which children can learn to become volunteers.