The following is my weekly column in the newspaper. It came after a week of story gathering.

Angels Among Us

It has been an eye-opening week for me. I had the opportunity to help volunteer at the Food Express last Wednesday; visited Noah’s Ark, a Presbyterian Church sponsored clothing store/exchange; and watched as new fire fighters from the surrounding area were trained. I often hear on the Buffalo news stations about how generous and giving the people of Buffalo are, the City of Good Neighbors. Evidently it holds true throughout Western New York. There are angels among us, working long hours to help their neighbors, without pay and without fanfare.

The third Wednesday of every month the Food Express, sponsored by the Food Bank of Western New York, delivers a variety of food to the fire hall, where a dozen or more volunteers unload the truck and set up the food to be distributed, free of charge, to area residents. Last week was my first time volunteering for this organization, and let me tell you, it can be hard work. I hauled a 50 pound bag of potatoes, which then had to be divided into smaller portions; I ran boxes and boxes of baked goods from the truck to the tables, where all the rolls, breads, cakes and pies were sorted. Boxes of bananas had to be divided and carrots and onions stacked. Those people waiting for their share of the food may have no idea of the flurry of activity going on once that truck arrives, but the volunteers know time is of the essence, and they scurry. Organizers Liz Stahlman and Nancy McIntosh stress this isn’t a give-away for just the needy or unemployed; it is open to ALL area residents, and everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the food donated. In the past, Ripley had been cut back to every other month due to lack of recipients. You need to show proof of residency the first time you go, a driver’s license or photo ID and a copy of a utility bill or library card, something showing your address, and you may only collect food for your family and one other. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Ripley fire hall. Please bring boxes, bags or laundry baskets to carry your items.

Noah’s Ark is another organization, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church, where the public is invited to come shop. Clothes and other items are donated by not only Ripley families but from surrounding communities as well. This is another group where it is stressed that ALL families are encouraged to shop, exchange clothing, donate clothing or dollars. The money collected is used to purchase much needed items that haven’t been donated, such as long underwear, hats or mittens. The volunteers, under the direction of Pam Acri and Phil Johnson, come to help make Ripley a better place. The store is open in the basement of the Presbyterian Church every second and fourth Saturday of the month, from noon until 2 p.m.

Ripley Pride is devoted to bringing the community together. They have no agenda but to sponsor events that promote community pride and bring Ripley residents in contact with each other. Coming up on March 13th they will be sponsoring a Chili Cook-off and Craft Sale. I actually volunteered to enter the Chili contest so you’ll have to come and sample some. This organization has put together some wonderful events, like the Halloween party and the Cruise In last summer. The women and men in this group are dedicated to making Ripley a better place to live, with no thought of personal gain.

The Ripley fire department hosted a training session last week for fire fighters throughout the county. I watched as these men and women were trained to carry the hoses through an obstacle course, learned what 75 to 100 pounds of water pressure feels like to control and which streams of water are necessary to fight different kinds of fires. The gear they wear is heavy, approximately 25 to 30 additional pounds, bulky and hot, the work they do is grueling, and yet they do it willingly to serve their community. These men and women are not paid a penny for the property and life-saving work they do.

These are only four of the many organizations here in town. Volunteerism isn’t a new idea, but it is a resurging one. Many schools now require a certain number of hours of volunteering in order to graduate. I’m proud to say that Ripley Central School has a number of service organization groups including the Kiwanis sponsored Builders and Key Club. Our children are encouraged to give back to their community, in hopes they will continue to make a difference when they have graduated. With the number and scope of organizations here in Ripley, they should have no trouble becoming future angels among us.

A heartfelt thank you to all of you. Where would we be without you?