The Power of Volunteering at Ecumen: Lessons from a 4-Year-Old

I had the privilege of volunteering alongside my 4-year-old son, Lincoln at Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community. We spent just one hour together at SBC, and in that short time, something incredible happened. Lincoln arrived eager to “go to work,” ready to do whatever was needed. Whether he was asked to sweep the floor or simply offer a smile, he approached every task with joy and enthusiasm. To him, no act of service was too small or insignificant. Every action, every moment, mattered.

And in the midst of that simplicity, something extraordinary occurred. Residents who are often quiet or withdrawn were suddenly engaged.

• A resident who rarely shows emotion played peek-a-boo with Lincoln, lighting up with laughter.
• Another resident joined in a game of catch, reconnecting with the fun of human interaction.
• A few residents who rarely receive visitors shared how they felt “like Grandma again”—a heartwarming reminder of how much connection means.

As we left, Lincoln, with a heart full of joy, was already asking when he could return. It was a beautiful moment of connection, but also a powerful reminder of the profound impact volunteering can have.  

There’s often a stigma around volunteering—that it requires large, time-consuming commitments for tasks that may seem small or unimportant. But what Lincoln’s experience at Ecumen showed me is that even the simplest, most fleeting gestures can have profound effects. A few minutes of playing a game, offering a smile, or doing something as simple as sweeping the floor can bring joy, connection, and purpose to others.

Volunteering isn’t just about changing the lives of those you serve; it’s also about transforming your own heart. The act of giving, no matter how small, cultivates a spirit of gratitude and joy. Volunteering helps us connect to something bigger than ourselves, and in doing so, it reminds us of the simple joys of life. A giving heart is truly a cheerful heart.