From Campground Maintenance to Feeding the Hungry, IAMC Volunteers Make a Difference

By Rya Waterford, IAMC Director of Marketing & Conference Programs

IAMC began its Volunteer Service Project initiative more than 10 years ago in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Since then, volunteers have participated in projects ranging from making adobe bricks to planting apple orchards and cleaning river banks to helping food banks feed the hungry.

In June in Fort Worth more than 30 volunteers tirelessly helped with outdoor projects on YMCA Camp Carter’s 350+ acres of campgrounds. Their work included painting, trail maintenance and picking up debris and trash items and in general preparing the campgrounds for overnight campers who arrived that same afternoon.

“IAMC has a great legacy of taking on these Volunteer Service Projects,” said J. Tate Godfrey, president & CEO of IAMC. “And we have a loyal cadre of members who wouldn’t miss participating in the work.”

While it is often hot and laborious, the volunteers report a great sense of camaraderie and joy in giving back.

“We felt grateful to have been able to contribute to make their facility welcoming for the campers,” said Cathy McFarland, regional director of Conway Inc, who has become IAMC’s staff liaison for these events.

This Fall, IAMC will continue this great tradition in Kansas City where volunteers will work with Harvester’s – The Community Food Network whose mission is to feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow.

Volunteers will sort and repack food in the Volunteer Engagement Center, which assists Harvesters in feeding more than 141,500 people each month.

Learn more or register.