Volunteer appreciation events like this week’s Salvation Army luncheon provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the time and the “heart” that volunteers have given toward the well-being of the whole community – what I call the “heart of a servant”.

Along with expressing our gratitude to these individuals, such events are also an opportunity to share the specific successes and ongoing goals of organizations – volunteer and public – that make up a network of support and civic intentions for the betterment of the community.

For much of the time, the ranks of such organizations are invisible.  But when life takes a bad turn, they are there for you.  And then all of their diligent, ongoing efforts are ready to carry us through the difficult times.

Serving the community is a commitment.  It is an investment in the future, and it is an honor to be able to serve, in whatever capacity one is able to do so. This kind of service is something I grew up with, and it has been a major part of Sandra’s and my life for the 18 years we have been in Cartersville. 

There have been many instances when we do what we believe needs to be done, especially at the holidays.  One of these is helping with the Eagle Scouts of Cartersville’s Boy Scouts troop #157 in their collection of toys for needy families. Another is the program of the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, with whom Sandra donated her quilts to the Cartersville Good Neighbor homeless shelter, and to the First Steps program in Cartersville run by the Advocates for Children of Bartow County.

For “missions” like this, it is more than an honor – it is a joy to carry them out.  I would like to share this letter that we recently received, because it speaks to the ongoing work of child advocacy organizations in Bartow County.  The toy donations made Christmas Day better for these families, but the ongoing efforts of such organizations serve all of us – in their support for the quality of life in our community.

Letter of appreciation from Advocates for Children

The Committee to Elect Hayden Collins welcomes you to the official website of Hayden Collins, a Conservative Republican candidate for State Representative.  This website is unique, in that it offers links to Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.  These sites will keep you up to date on the latest issues of importance to the citizens of the 15th District, as well as the entire State of Georgia.  This website also includes several community service links of which Hayden has been a part of and associated within his community.  Over the past 18 years, Hayden and his family have served Bartow County and the State of Georgia as Foster/Adoptive Parents.  Hayden’s other community service includes such groups as the Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol, ESGR, and the Georgia Youth Challenge.  Please take the time to get to know Hayden.