As we round out RHK's 25th anniversary year, it seemed only fitting that we spotlight the volunteer who served with us the longest (so far). Stan recently decided to retire from serving at RHK but leaves knowing he helped make a difference in the lives of a countless number of kids over the years.
My name is Stan McCord. I am 72 years old. I have three grown children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. I worked at RVC for 28 years, teaching manufacturing skills. I started volunteering at Rock House Kids in the fall of 2008 after hearing (RHK Founder) Dola Gregory speak at our church, First Congregational of Roscoe. Several ministries for adults needed help, but I knew of none but RHK specifically for kids. Kids have no say in their circumstances, and RHK helped address vital needs such as food, clothing, school supplies, and spiritual needs. RHK teaches kids how to deal with difficult home issues and how valuable they are to themselves and others.
I have done just about every job at Rock House, working with various age groups, mainly the pebbles. I have gone on summer camps, driven the vans, and started providing maintenance duties after retiring from RVC. Most recently, I have filled the food bags and worked with April (RHK Storeroom Coordinator) in the store room.
My most memorable experience happened while cleaning the kitchen after serving a meal. One of the young men who had been at Rock House since a pebble said that I'd been at Rock House for a long time. I said yes, I had. He nodded and said, 'Thanks'. I knew then how vital RHK was to the kids.
If you want to change the world, you have to start with the kids. We need to show them how they are important and loved and how to love others.
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