An Attitude of Gratitude- Joel and Ann Prove You’re Never too Old to Serve!
Over 3 years ago while I was on my morning walk at Green Cay, I passed a silver-haired gentleman who asked me if I liked chocolate. No, it’s not what you think. However, the next day when we passed, I was given some dark chocolate candy. We’ve been friends ever since.
Over 3 years ago while I was on my morning walk at Green Cay, I passed a silver-haired gentleman who asked me if I liked chocolate. No, it’s not what you think. However, the next day when we passed, I was given some dark chocolate candy. We’ve been friends ever since.
Now the contest asks us to tell about someone or some organization in our community that exemplifies an “attitude of gratitude”. Joel and Ann’s community of giving encompasses 2 continents.
As I write this Joel Bilkis is in Israel serving in the Israeli army as a volunteer. He has been volunteering since 1991 when he went in during the Gulf War. Ann, his wife, usually goes with him and is herself, a volunteer. They go through a program called SAR- El, the National Project for Volunteers for Israel. Oh, and did I mention that Joel and Ann are both 70 years young.
Each year Joel and Ann travel to Israel at their own expense and serve from 1 to 2 weeks wherever they are needed....it could be painting barracks, assisting in nursing homes, or packing medical supplies.
But the giving doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year they collect any and everything they can to take with them... especially candy and toys for the children. Joel said that the toys become welcome distractions for the children should they have to go into a bomb shelter.
Joel and Ann have also supported the Israel Children’s Center since the 1980’s. The Center began as a National Tennis Center and is now the largest tennis school in the world as well as the largest social service organization for children in Israel. Learning to play tennis and having somewhere to go has been a great benefit to the children. During the year, a small group of the students accompanied by their chaperons, will travel to the United States to give demonstrations to help raise funds for the Centers. Joel and Ann offer their home each year when the children are in town.
The children not only stay with them, but Joel and Ann provide their meals, take them shopping and give them a place where the children can just relax and take a few moments where they’re not “on show”.
If you think “children” is a common thread in what they do... you’re right. After each holiday, Joel goes to one of our local Walgreen’s where he knows the manager and collects any candy that they cannot sell... this might be Candy Hearts after Valentine’s day; chocolate rabbits after Easter, and everything after Halloween! He then will take this to our local soup kitchen tor the children and their families.
It’s easy to write a check for a certain dollar amount to a charity; drop off a toy for Toys for Tots; or run 5K for a foundation.... and I’m not minimizing any of this.. but to fly yourself to Israel, don a uniform and, oh yes, have to go into a bomb shelter in the middle of the night, is what I deem the true spirit of volunteerism.
Thank you Joel and Ann for showing us you’re never too old to serve.
