Outstanding Volunteers - 1st Edition

In honor of National Volunteer week early this month Granite United Way started asking its volunteers to share their stories. We know the work our volunteers do has impact. We also believe the work they do can inspire others. This will be the first of many posting highlighting our volunteers on whom we depend so heavily.

Diane Covell, Merrimack County Region 
Community Impact Committee Member and Community Review Team Member 

Question 1: How long have you been volunteering with United Way?

Diane: I think it has been at least 15 years, but it could be as many as 18.

Question 2: Why do you volunteer with Granite United Way?

Diane: Several reasons. I truly believe in the organization and the great work that they do!  I am a strong believer that citizens have a duty to get involved in their communities and provide support for all of the great work that nonprofits perform and provide each day – both financially and through volunteering.  Volunteering is the NH-way!  It’s a great way to really get to know your community, the organizations and the wonderful people who work, support and serve us each day.  Granite United Way is so well-connected and provides so many wonderful ways people can get involved and make our communities and our state a better place.

Question 3: What has been the most meaningful experience you have had during your time volunteering? (This doesn’t have to be with Granite United Way) 

Diane: It’s hard to pick just one, so I’m picking two!  They are participating in the Community Impact process through serving both on the Community Impact Committee and Community Review Team.  I’ve gotten to know some extraordinary people who give so much of their time and energy to making Merrimack County and NH the best they can be.  And, the United Way Day of Caring. It’s a great way to be involved. You get to know all the great work that happens here and the dedicated caring individuals who carry out that work.

William (Bill) Bedor, North Country Region

Board of Directors, Community Impact Committee Member and Community Review Team Member

Question 1: How long have you been volunteering with United Way?

Bill: Since the mid-90's in Hilton Head Island, SC

Question 2: Why do you volunteer with Granite United Way?

Bill: Although I volunteer for several excellent organizations, Granite United Way reaches the neediest people and has the most wide reaching effect of any charity in NH.

Question 3: What has been the most meaningful experience you have had during your time volunteering? (This doesn’t have to be with Granite United Way).

Bill: I'm going to veer away from the usual personal stories, of which I've had many with United Way, the Boys & Girls Club and Littleton Regional Healthcare. I think the most meaningful experience I've had is being an integral part of the mergers that took Granite United Way state-wide. By far our ability to successfully accomplish those combinations has positively effected the most people in the state and changed thousands of lives for the better. Boring, yes, but incredibly meaningful nonetheless.