Lessons from My Father: Giving Back
By Mark Fallon

I read an article about a man paying the college tuition - for all 4 years - of several needy students. The self-made millionaire sees education as the best hope for these young people to be successful. By sharing his fortune, he was giving something back.

It's heartwarming when wealthy people use their riches to help others. Millionaires and billionaires are able to fund remarkable programs that impact hundreds, if not thousands of people. But what about the rest of us? How do we give back?

My father's not a millionaire. Raising 10 kids often meant working a second, even a third, part-time job to make ends meet. He and my mother gave up a lot to provide a safe, secure home for us. Yet, he still found ways to give back.

Over the years, my father has belonged to numerous social and service organizations. From the Holy Name Society to the Knights of Columbus, from the American Legion to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He's also a member of the Towanda Club, a men's club in his hometown of Woburn, Massachusetts. The groups would hold fundraisers for our church parish and other charities. My dad would always participate.

Along with my brothers and sisters, I marched in a drum and bugle corps. We relied on adult volunteers to run our events, including hosting an annual competition. My father would work the front gate or sell raffle tickets to attendees.

When he reached his 50's, my dad didn't need to work as many hours. My older siblings either paid room and board or were out on their own. Finally, an opportunity to relax. Or volunteer more.

Several days a week, my father would help out at a local nursing home. His aunt had moved there, and he would go to see her often. Soon, he became part of the formal volunteer program. His duties included helping people get dressed, assisting those who used wheelchairs, and organizing social activities. Or sometimes, just sit and visit.

One year, my dad received an award for his volunteer work at the nursing home, and his photo was in the local newspaper. It was great to see him get recognized for all his efforts. But recognition was never his motivation. He just likes helping others.

I try to follow my father's example. I've worked with Habitat for Humanity on a few projects and used my first marathon as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. My wife and I support several charities. We've included the Southern Poverty Law Center in our wills.

While not as involved with neighborhood groups, I give back to the people I work with most - the mailing community. I've served on the boards of local and national professional associations, organizing educational events for our members. I volunteer my time as a speaker for mailing groups around the country.

Helping out at an annual event. Spending a few hours with senior citizens. Volunteering a Saturday as part of a building crew. Small actions that won't be splashed on a magazine cover or a website's home page.

Yet these small actions have a great impact. Working a ticket gate gives organizers one less thing to worry about. Your visit may be the highlight of someone's week. The window you install means shelter to a family. Your actions aren't small.

In a tough economy, it can be difficult to find the money or the time to help others. Budgets are strained due to layoffs and pay cuts. More people have to work second jobs again. Or, their current job is demanding more hours. At no extra pay.

These challenges make today the best time to make a donation or volunteer a few hours. The need is greater than ever. And, giving back can actually help reduce stress and improve morale. Doing good does good for you. And, there's something very special about the feeling you get when receiving a sincere "Thank You."

Take a moment and look for a way to help. It may be giving a few dollars to support a cause. It may be helping a local group that needs a volunteer. Or, it may mean being there for a person that needs a shoulder or a sympathetic ear.

There's plenty of opportunity for all of us to give something back. And you don't have to be a billionaire or a millionaire. You just have to be like my dad.

P.S. Happy Father's Day.