There are communism, fascism, racism, words, and ideas that live worlds from my heart. My new favorite word, volunteerism, truly and in all respects gives itself. The word “volunteer” means to give of oneself for the benefit of others. The practitioners of this art are usually skimmed over, like a crushed strawberry in a cup of ice cream. In most cases, the small percentage of folks who participate in or practice this ritual of giving are subsumed as background noise/décor. Subconsciously, most of us need Volunteers; it seems so natural to have them, but few become the ideal themselves. Why is that? We can all do it, but why do they take that extra step? This article aims to bring some of these extraordinary/ordinary people to the forefront. The sunshine needs to envelop them, for they are the finest expression of the soul. I’m fortunate to have met and been served by many of them.
Marica Lesica was born in June 1946 in Otok Krk (Poljica/Nenadic). “My childhood was simple; we had no destructive family habits. I started working when I was a young girl, doing small chores. Helping my family and neighbors was a very normal thing to do. My husband Ivan, infant Patricija, and I left for Germany when we were in our early twenties. We stayed in Germany for a year and a half. Our cousins, Drpic/Hrzic, made papers for us so we were able to come to the US, Astoria, NY, in 1968. Ivan spoke German and started working as a cook in a German restaurant 8 days after arrival. My daughter Susan was born in 1973, John in 1976, and Robert in 1979. I stayed home to be a full-time mom till I started working in 1989 at the Edison Hotel in Manhattan. I retired in 2009. Then I started volunteering in the soup kitchens of Manhattan”, said the warm-hearted giver of time and energy.
How does volunteerism start in a person?
“For me, it started very early in life. It’s a feeling you have in you to give yourself to others. It is also something you see/learn from your parents. My mom and dad were concerned about the well-being of their less fortunate neighbors. I clearly remember that. Volunteering is also God’s will for me; I feel that. It’s hard to see homeless people on the streets of New York, so you take action to help the situation. Ivan and I volunteer at the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen located on 9th Ave and 28th Street in Manhattan twice a week, and I also go to St. Francis on 7th Ave and 32nd Street for that one. I must wake up at 5 in the morning; it’s a bit difficult because I have challenging health issues. I was thinking of doing this before I retired; it was a drive in me,” said the happy, smiley-eyed lady of good deeds, who also serves parishioners at the Most Precious Church in Astoria on Sundays, though dealing with a life-threatening health situation.
Ivan Lesica was born in March 1944, on the Island of Krk (Sv. Vid). At 82, he is a steadfast volunteer who joins his wife on the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen mission.
“As a child, my family and I had no material wealth, but we were happy. All my life, I was a cook. It all started during our stay in Germany. I liked my occupation, since I had a large family, I worked two jobs. I retired at 65 (2010), and that is when I joined my wife in her volunteer work; we have always done things together. I believe that being kind and helpful to people and communicating well with them is important. Though I had quadruple bypass surgery 15 years ago, cancer of the bladder 18 years ago, and a recent hospitalization, I kept my mind on work and volunteering, which helped me get my mind away from my own medical problems. Another benefit of giving is that you meet and converse with others who share a similar cause. It gives one a good feeling. Sitting at home on the couch is not what I envisioned for myself, and I would not do it. Ultimately, action is what counts. I always lived my life that way, and I don’t theorize much” said the humble, simple, effective, moral gentleman.
It can be said that those who give of themselves have a higher level of consciousness, for they know that the world does not revolve around them, but that a healthy community and a more equitable, social state of affairs benefit all of us.
Zapratite nas na Youtubeu i nikada ne proustite subotnje izdanje naše emisije:
Listen to Croatians Online here:
Croatian American Media Association Corp is a tax exempt organization under Section 501 c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN # 99-1591741). Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to support our mission. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.