Labor of Love for CHIC Volunteers
KNOXVILLE, TN (July 25) - They spent hundreds of dollars of their own money, sacrificed vacation time, endured cross-country bus trips, and worked long hours, often barely noticed. Still, the volunteers at CHIC 2006 said they were thrilled for the opportunity to serve.
In addition to counselors who traveled with youth groups, roughly 200
people came to the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville where
they did everything from set up chairs, staff events, and provide security.
"I did it because I attended CHIC and I just wanted to be part of it again," said Julie Laudal, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who coordinated an information booth.
In the CHIC office on campus, a white board listed the seemingly endless opportunities for volunteers.
"There are so many people that when they're done with their shifts, they ask, 'What else can I do?' " said Laurie Wulff, of New Brighton, Minnesota, who coordinated volunteers. "Without being asked, they're folding chairs or doing something else to help. They have a huge heart for hard work."
"It's a blessing every time they walk through the door," said Ben Pease,
the youth pastor at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, who also was
in charge of operations for CHIC. "They want to be part of something
that is bigger than something they could do by themselves. It just stirs
a hunger to do more."
A residence hall director told Pease he volunteered because, "(CHIC) is an essential ingredient in the glue that keeps the Covenant together."
While volunteers expressed their appreciation at being able to serve, Laudal was typical of some who added they would make changes at the next CHIC. Laudal rode 20 hours on a packed bus - one of 22 that left the Mall of America on Saturday evening. "I'll come back at '09, but I probably will fly," she said.