Volunteer

Hi there, I’m Randy Ollis, and since retiring from a broadcasting career in television, I’ve been volunteering to help others. This is Tim, and Tim is the executive director of SAWs.

Randy: Tim, if somebody wants to volunteer with you guys here, what kind of skills do they need?

Tim: Very little, if any, skills. Basically, you’ll be using an impact driver, so if you can do this, you can build a ramp. We’ll show you how.

Randy: I might be able to do that.

Tim: Absolutely.

All volunteers must register in advance online and fill out the required waivers. Volunteers under 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian. Minors younger than 14 should be cleared with a project manager ahead of time.

Make sure you arrive about 15 or 20 minutes early before the event begins. Here you want to find some parking, also get acquainted with the area. Also, the night before, check your email. If there’s a problem, maybe a cancellation or a postponement, SAWs will email you the night before.

And dress for the weather. That means you’ve got to wear closed-toed shoes—no Crocs, no sandals, no flip-flops. When you arrive, check in with your project manager. SAWs will provide eye protection and gloves if needed.

Let’s get started. Before construction begins, your project manager will gather the crew together and explain what you’re going to be doing. The project manager will also share an image of what the ramp is intended to look like and give you the opportunity to ask some questions. This meeting will include instructions regarding the weather if needed.

Also, stay hydrated, especially during the hot weather season. Your project manager will give you an assignment and possibly a partner to work with for that assignment. Skills are not necessary—your project manager or crew leader partner will help you with the on-the-job training.

Every project is unique, so you may not always be asked to do the same thing. As you become more experienced, your project manager may lean more on your experience. Most SAWs projects are completed in three to five hours. It is important that volunteers be flexible with their time. Occasionally, though, a project does run over.

Remember, the client is counting on us to finish the project, so inform your project leadership if time is an issue for you. This is like putting Legos together, but more importantly, it’s a way of helping someone regain their freedom, and you can play a pivotal role in that.

Well, the thing that energizes me about SAWs is: where else can I spend a morning—usually on a Saturday—and in three or four hours produce something that will enable somebody to be free from their home for years to come?

We’re committed to making your experience enjoyable and showing you the meaningful impact of your time. Well, that’s about it. In fact, there are so many people who are trapped inside their homes that your help is sorely needed. You can truly change people’s lives.

And also, here, we greatly appreciate your help. When you do this experience, it’s going to be wonderful, and we know that you’re going to be truly blessed.

Thank you.