It’s not easy for me to head over to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles every Monday morning to read and hand out books to the children brought into the hospital by their parents and grandparents.
You might never guess that these kids needed treatment but some who come to me to hear a story or receive a free book are suffering from serious physical and medical ailments. I look only into their eyes and see the beauty of their souls but feel within me a great sorrow that so young a person is suffering.
Yet, the smile never leaves my face or heart as we chat and get to know each other. Yesterday, in the middle of my hour at the hospital, a young boy ran up to me and yelled back to his mother, “Look mommy, The Book Man is here,” as he jumped up on my lap.
It seems that in my lifetime, some of my most treasured moments have been when I’ve volunteered my time to help others – friends, family, and total strangers.
To say we need and welcome volunteer help here at the Motion Picture & Television Fund is putting it very gently.
There are dozens of ways you can help – from helping someone with their grocery shopping to just chatting on the phone with someone who doesn’t get out as much as she used to.
Without the volunteers at Channel 22, we might not have the amount and quality, if indeed, any programming at all, on the station. Do you have television production skills? We could use your help.
Without Shelley Berman teaching our poetry classes, as a volunteer, the joy he brings to campus would be lost. Pick another arena and you could be the Shelley Berman of that venue.
I’m learning how to play the guitar and I’ll bet there are MPTF residents who would love to learn to play a musical instrument. Could you volunteer to share your talents with us?
What is your specialty? How and who can you help or teach? Just think of all the warm smiles you’d get in return. I get hugs from the kids at CHLA but that might be too much to ask from our residents.
– Joe Sutton
