To the Editor:
On May 18, two adults and two teenagers came to our home and spent hours volunteering their time to help us with yard work.

An American author, Elizabeth Andrew, is quoted as saying, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

Time is short and very valuable. My wife, Susan, and I know this very well due to her/our disabilities and our ages.

Elizabeth Andrew was accurate when she referred to the heart of a volunteer. It is from the core of one’s heart, and soul, that they give up their precious time to help others in need!

We are expressing our gratitude to not only the volunteers who came on May 18 but also to the friends and neighbors and family who have been giving so much to us over the last eight months.

Author DeAnn Hollis wrote, “The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Susan and I further want to embrace with appreciation the organizations and people that coordinate a volunteer day event.

They are, as far as we know, Lance Moore and The New Scotland Volunteers; Deborah Engel, the New Scotland Senior Outreach Liaison; Janna Shillinglaw and the New Scotland Kiwanis; and the Key Club at Voorheesville’s high school.

If I have left anyone out, please accept our apologies and know that we know you don’t volunteer for acknowledgement. We know you volunteer because of the goodness in your heart and soul, and hopefully your actions, brought to light, will encourage others to volunteer!

One last quote that emphasizes a life lesson, which some people never learn, but I know our schools are trying to teach:

It was spoken by James Cash Penney of Penney’s department stores; he said, “How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.”

Eternal thanks to all of you who donate your love, time, money, and efforts along with hard work, lifting up those who are less fortunate.

Susan and Timothy Albright

Meadowdale