By Keith Purtell
Editor’s note: One in a series of volunteer opportunities available in Muskogee.
As visitors to Muskogee’s Garden of Lights make their way out of Honor Heights Park, their last stop is the volunteer booth.
The dazzling display of holiday lights costs the Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department extra money to create, but volunteers taking generous public donations help cover that cost.
Juanda Perkins said the best part of volunteering at the exit gate of the Garden of Lights is the smiles on the faces of children.
“We always ask the people as the drive out how they are and did they enjoy the lights,” she said. “At least 99 percent make a donation.”
Perkins, a licensing specialist for the Muskogee Department of Human Services, said she was part of a group of 11 DHS employees who volunteered some of their time Tuesday for the Garden of Lights.
“People have been commenting on how beautiful the lights are, and that it’s getting better and better every year,” she said.
Another person planning to volunteer is Carolyn Downs, 56, director and owner of the Jack and Jill Learning Center.
“I’ve probably volunteered there about eight times,” she said. “This year, nine of us from the center and many of the staff’s children will be out there. We start around 5:30 p.m. and go until 10 on Thursday night. We work in shifts, so those who have children can take them home.”
The park provides hot chocolate and coffee inside the booth, but the volunteers are usually standing outside in the winter weather. They chat with park guests who are driving out and stop to make a donation.
“Mostly we’re there holding Santa hats for the people who make a donation to the park,” she said. “We try to make it a lot of fun and answer any questions. The biggest question is how many lights are used in the park. It’s a real positive for Muskogee and a great way to build community spirit.”
Downs said the job description is not difficult and the work is satisfying.
“We’re just there to ask for donations, give out brochures and answer any questions that we can,” she said. “It’s a great way to build community spirit and invite people back. We have so much fun that we forget we’re working. People are usually really nice and friendly.”
Making the garden exit booth a joyful place is always how they like to do things, Downs said.
“It’s a good, fun thing, and the kids can come with us and enjoy doing it, too,” she said. “And, it’s a way for us to give back a little bit. We usually have Christmas music that we bring with us to the gate to make it a lot of fun. Sometimes the senior citizens tour buses will come through, and the kids love to go up on those.”
Park Superintendent Rick Ewing said volunteerism has been an integral part of the Garden of Lights from its beginning.
“We depend heavily on the volunteers when it comes to greeting people coming out and the taking of the donations,” he said. “It not only helps us monetarily but also in their interaction with the public. They play an integral part.”
Although volunteers have made up most the work force at the exit, Ewing said that doesn’t always work out.
“There are days when it’s tough to find a volunteer,” he said. “And we have to pay someone overtime to take on that job.”
Ewing said all donations are only for the park.
“With the people’s generosity that come through there, we have been able to cover our costs and have some extra left over to invest in the park itself,” he said.
Those who give their time and energy are usually social groups, Ewing said.
“Civic clubs, square dancers, school student councils, and a goodly number of church groups,” he said. “It is some people’s forte. There are always some in those groups who are people people. It’s always fun to watch them work, and they make a great ambassador.”
You can help
If your group would like to volunteer their time volunteering at the Garden of Lights, contact Muskogee Parks and Recreation: 684-6302.
Volunteer opportunities
• American Legion Auxiliary, Post 15, is open to the child, daughter or wife of someone who has served in the military, 687-6171.
• Girl Scouts, 683-7738 or (877) 855-7738 to reach the Muskogee Magic Empire office. Call the Tulsa volunteer department at (800) 707-9914.
• Muskogee County Community Action, 1313 N. Main St., Erma Sallie, nutrition program outreach coordinator; Crystal Cotner, project director, 683-7637.
• Muskogee County Democratic Party, Barbara Staggs chairman, 869-8919.
• Muskogee County Republican Party, Jerry Huffer Chairman, 616-1747.
• Muskogee Regional Medical Center, Vicki Cormier, 684-2460.
• Boy Scouts of America, Richard Goforth, Neosho District Director, 207-7971.
• Court Appointed Speical Advocates, 686-8199, casaforchildren@sbcglobal.net
• Muskogee Nursing Center, 682-9232
• Magnolia Gardens, 683-8388.
• Grace Living Center, 683-2914.
• Eastgate Village Healthcare Center, 682-3191.
• Promoting Animal Welfare Society, PAWS, Dorothy Farmer, 686-7297.
• Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, Greg Sorensen: 577-3621.
• Muskogee Regional Medical Center, Vicki Cormier: 684-2460.
• American Red Cross, Jordan Pool: 682-1366.
• RSVP (ages 55 and older): 683-1578.
Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email
