When you were a child, what would it mean to you to meet one of your heroes? What if you were sick, or were fighting a daily battle of hope, health and existence?

Even as adults, we get a shot in the arm, our day is brightened, when we even observe them from a distance. Which is why I find reports like these touching.

Walter Jones took time yesterday to visit the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, to encourage patients and spread good cheer. If you visit Seahawks.com, you can see some shots of Big Walt, sharing his muscular, southern grin with some kids that could use a boost.

But I didn't bring this up just for fluff. In all reality, much of this sort of thing happens from day to day with sports stars and organizations, but is often little more than PR. For example, a ten minute photo opportunity of famous athletes unloading emergency supplies for New Orleans disaster relief does just a little for the recipient, but a lot for the image of the donor.

This is not--AT ALL--to say that Jones is insincere in this effort to help sick kids. Far from it, I applaud him. What I am trying to say is that you don't have to be famous to really help some one. You can brighten someones day, encourage them, provide practical assistance, no matter what your walk of life. It doesn't have to involve cameras or celebrities. Anyone can load supplies, provide meals, share an engaging smile and conversation. The press is completely unnecessary to accomplish this.

If you already play some active part in a volunteer organization or activity, my hat is off to you. If you have thought about it, stop thinking and do it, get involved, share in the joy of helping others that have real needs. It can bring joy and purpose to your life like you'd never expect.

Have you participated in volunteer activities? What kind? How did you feel? Would you recommend it to others? Not to toot your own horn, but to encourage others to do the same...


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