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D.C. Region's Volunteer Ethic Stronger Than U.S. Average
Robyn Reals, right, assists Buu Ai, 65, of Arlington at the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Reals was volunteering with Arlington Church of the Brethren. The typical suburban volunteer in the D.C. region logs an average of 60 hours of donated time a year, compared with the national average of 50 hours.
(By Nikki Kahn -- The Washington Post)
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Lukas "wanted to make sure we brought cereal kids would like," Jon Wood said, so Lukas toted boxes of honey-nut cereal and $6.02 from his piggy bank.
The Woods -- a research analyst and an engineer -- weren't surprised to hear that Washington's volunteer rate was higher than average. This place is "all type A's," quipped Jon Wood.
Heidi Wood got teary-eyed when she hugged Lukas in her arms and tried to explain why the family continues to volunteer, even though they're busy parents with full-time jobs.
The couple spends several weeks each spring helping a group that renovates homes for the disadvantaged.
For one thing, she said, they want to set a good example for their son and Jon's 12-year-old daughter, who visits regularly. But there are more elusive reasons.
"Mommy, are you crying?" asked Lukas, laying a hand on her cheek.
"A little bit," Heidi said. Then she continued.
"It makes us feel, I don't know, less whiny? More blessed. Very aware of our blessings."
