By John Kleb, from Sikich
Microsoft Dynamics Convergence is the coming together of all things good. My first Convergence giving experience was in New Orleans some years ago. Not knowing what to expect, I boarded the bus for ½ day of volunteer work. We built a house. That was unexpected. A house! In just ½ day I was hooked.
I don't know the details of the arrangement, but Microsoft hooks up with Projects With Purpose and together they create an environment where a diverse group of volunteers can accomplish astonishing results. In a single day we can frame several houses. We can build a bath house, pool house, beach, retaining walls and more for a disadvantaged children's camp. We can ride into a devastated neighborhood and refurbish an entire neighborhood with a senior organic garden, plant fruit trees, refurbish a food pantry, and - oh, while we are there - frame up 16 homes. ;-) We can turn the bare dirt lawns of a low-income housing project into brand new playgrounds full of smiling and singing children.
Each volunteer event we have been surrounded by grateful neighborhood residents who provide the visual confirmation of the good deeds we are engaged in.
I no longer volunteer one ½ day. I always accept the full-day option as the smile formed on my face and in my heart by the morning work is cemented for life by the end of the afternoon.
Interested in making an impact in the New Orleans community this year? We will have both offsite and onsite outreach opportunities. Registration is required for the offsite opportunity. Click here to get involved!