CLEVELAND — It is Random Acts of Kindness Week and what better way to show love than by helping others.We are highlighting volunteers - the great work they do and how you can get involved. The Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at the Temple-Tifereth Israel on the campus of Case Western Reserve University is always looking for more ushers.
The Maltz center has served as a community center since 2015, and the volunteers create community, as well, says the house manager Jordan Davis.
"Our volunteers are enthusiastic," he said. "They come here because they want to make a contribution and they like engaging with people."
Larry Goldrick, Wanda Rollins, Katie Wieser are three of the 100 ushers at the Maltz. They volunteer elsewhere too.
"It's just really rewarding to me," said Larry.
"One of the ushers, she lives in my neighborhood and we probably would've never connected had we not connected right here," said Wanda.
"You meet amazing people when you volunteer, you really do," said Katie.
Volunteers at the Maltz commit to 12 events a year. Taking tickets and helping people find their seats also brings them front row to some great shows.
"Being a frugal person, I can come and enjoy all this stuff free," laughed Larry.
The payoff is priceless. They all say they're hooked on volunteering.
"It's kind of in my bloodstream now," said Larry.
He started volunteering in retirement.
Wanda felt called to do more.
"I'm not going to take, I'm going to give," she said. "It's like paying it forward I would say."
And Katie began volunteering around the community because she wanted to live more intentionally.
"I wasn't making a point to see and do the things I wanted to do," she said.
They all say the gift of volunteering includes what it gives you in return.
"You get so much out of it that you'll continue to expand your horizons," said Larry.
Greater Cleveland Volunteers can connect you. The nonprofit helps connect people to volunteer opportunities that match their passion and schedule. Find more info here.
All this week, News 5 will visit different nonprofits to show you the range of opportunities, and meet the volunteers making our community a better land.
RELATED: Volunteers help feed the mind, body and soul at the May Dugan Center on Cleveland’s West Side
