Volunteerism spurs funding, help for numerous charities

Volunteering is the life blood for several area organizations.

Groups and nonprofits such as OASIS, Bella Vista Fly-Tyers, the Computer Club and the Bella Vista Animal Shelter all provide sweat equity at the Bella Vista Recycling Center. Because of that labor, those organizations receive a solid lifeline of incoming money that pays for scholarships, operations and other charities.

Approximately 20 charities and groups benefit from the AARP Recycling Center.

In May, the center logged 1,412.75 hours. Those who volunteer receive $6 an hour for their efforts, then designate a particular charity to receive the money.

John Justice is a regular volunteer of 12 years. He has earned $70,000 for the Retired Military Officers Association and the United Methodist Men. The money earned for the Retired Military Officers helps provide three scholarships each year. The United Methodist Men contributes to a variety of other charities.

Through hard work, some sweat and a lot of camaraderie, Justice has racked up some big dough for those two organizations in more than a decade.

“I’m pretty proud of that,” he said.

“And you should be,” replies a fellow volunteer.

Ken Nelson enjoys volunteering to help out the Bella Vista Computer Club. The money gained helps the group offset expenses.

For Jerry Argetsinger, whose special cause is the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, learning more about the recycling process has been “extremely educational.”

He is normally front and center, helping others unload and assisting with sorting.

Bella Vista Fly-Tyers is yet another group that benefits from volunteer hours at the center. Daniel Bullock, who helps that cause, says the work is “great exercise.”

The money goes to help fund scholarships for students interested in pursuing a lake ecology career. The funds also are funneled to assist the Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association.

Helping others recycle is a great way to spend a few hours. “People are always happy to see you,” Bullock said.

For those who mutter that the work might be too hard, too hot or too long, the guys emphasize that the average age of the volunteer is 70 to 72 years of age.

“It makes it a better place, it improves the economy, you earn money for a charity,” Justice said. “It’s a win-win.”