AVID volunteer of the month for May

Editor's note: Each month, The Record-Courier profiles a volunteer in cooperation with Active Volunteers in Douglas, an organization formed to address recruitment, retention, placement, and recognition of volunteers. Anyone who wishes to nominate a volunteer, or become active with AVID, is asked to call 783-6450 and leave a message, including a contact telephone number.

May volunteer: James Koenig

How long have you lived in Douglas County? Since August 1997.

Town of residence: Gardnerville.

Where did you live before moving to Douglas County? Texas.

Family: I am married to Sonya Koenig and have four children (Jon, Adam, Jennifer and Amy) and four stepchildren (Briana, Brian, Christian and Steven).

Are you currently working or retired? Working full time for China Spring Youth Camp/Aurora Pines Girl's Facility as a juvenile counselor. I retired as a captain of corrections for the Texas State Department of Corrections.

How long have you been a volunteer? Most all of my life, but 12 years in Douglas County.

Where do you currently volunteer? Douglas County Parks & Recreation, as well as several local charitable organizations.

What are your duties? I have volunteered as a coach for the Douglas County Youth Sports for over 12 years. I have also had the privilege to volunteer as a sports official for the Special Olympics. During Christmas season, I play Santa Claus for charitable organizations and for children of all ages, including the elderly at residential care centers. I also volunteer for Meneley Elementary School to teach them to design and build backgrounds and props for school plays. I also actively participate in the Operation Christmas Child Program which is a Billy Graham outreach ministry which donates shoe boxes containing toys and general hygienic necessities for children in Third World countries.

How much time do you volunteer per month? It really varies throughout the year, with the majority of my volunteer time around the holidays.

Why and how did you become a volunteer? I started as a teenager helping out with youth sports programs and umpiring for Little League, etc. I love sports and I have a great deal of fun coaching and officiating. I came from a very small community in Texas where the whole community just helped each other out. My family has always been heavily involved with school activities and community events. I learned to give back to the community at an early age.

Favorite aspects of volunteering: I think the most memorable time volunteering would have to be the Special Olympics. It was very rewarding and also humbling to see how much effort those children and adults put forth to accomplish their goals. I'll never forget it and encourage everyone to find a way to help out the Special Olympics.

What would you say to encourage others to volunteer? There is nothing better than seeing the smile on children's faces when they learn how to serve the ball over the net, score a basket for the first time, or when they see Santa handing them a gift. It warms my heart, and I think that the world is a better place when people show love and give of themselves. Sometimes the smallest of gestures can go a long way to making someone feel good about themselves.