Next month is the Big Give McCook, the one day community drive in McCook to raise funds for 31 nonprofit organizations.

The McCook Community Foundation Fund is among those organizations for which you can donate. But this column isn’t about MCFF. It’s about service.

Christian followers are all called upon to be servants - vigilant servants. We are well versed that we all can serve others with donating our time, talent or treasure. 

Every year since Big Give started, the goal for the treasure portion of service has increased and been met. People from McCook and surrounding areas have been very generous. What has been evident is that those who give have given more and that the numbers who contribute remain about the same with little increase. 

The Biblical story of the widow’s mite comes to mind when reviewing the above-mentioned data. The amount given is not the major factor. It is the giving regardless of how much or how little that is important. This year, it would be great if all those who have given in the past would continue to give - and give just a little more. 

But a big blessing would be that if we see an increase in the number of givers. Even the poor widow gave out fo desire to serve and help others. 

But service need not be financial. Our community needs volunteers.

Volunteers to be a mentor for TeamMates are needed. CASA needs more people to help. The YMCA needs volunteer coaches, officials, timekeepers and scorers. St. Patrick’s Elementary and McCook Public Schools function better when volunteers are part of the equation. 

The Humane Society could use dog walkers, Meals on Wheels could use drivers and clubs and organizations like Rotary, Norris Institute and the Optimists need members. 

Most of our churches would welcome parishioners who don’t just attend, but also volunteer. And it is difficult to find folks willing to serve on boards or run for political office. 

Service can be calling on a sick neighbor, raking their leaves, mowing their lawn or simply stopping by to say hello.

We all have our own agendas, but sometimes those agendas need to be set aside to help others.

This year with Big Give McCook, we hope not only for an increase in the fiscal giving, but that more individuals will be community minded and be willing to serve others with their time, talent and treasure.

“Blessed are those servants whom the Master finds vigilant upon his arrival.” Luke 12:37