Do you wonder if you can make a difference in Lewis County? Bob Holland of Centralia General Agencies talks about his experience with getting involved with the community—and the many ways you can make an impact.
Holland has been a member of the Kiwanis Club for 30 years, leading him to work with youth in the community. “Kiwanis is generally all about youth,” Holland says. The organization has several programs within the schools to encourage and support kids. The Terrific Kid program in elementary schools gives positive recognition to kids.
Kiwanis also sponsors ball teams and a S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) program, and raises funds for scholarships. “We sell See’s Candy at the Factory Outlets at Christmas time. It complements the outlets. It’s an easy in-and-out, and everybody needs their chocolate while shopping to keep their energy up,” Holland says with a smile.
Holland is also excited about an event that has seen a resurgence in the community. “The Soroptomist women came to Kiwanis looking to partner to bring back talent shows,” Holland explains. “So many people said, ‘Oh, I remember as a kid getting to participate in a talent show!’”
Held at the Fox Theater, it is so popular that it is expanding. “Kids ages 6 to 18 can do any performance talent like music or dance, with an opportunity to win scholarship money. It’s very exciting, and it’s grown so much that we have several hundred acts that we have to eliminate down to just 40,” he says.
In addition, Holland serves on the board for the Salvation Army Board. “While it is para-church based, it is also very big into community outreach,” says Holland. A business advisory committee with people from the community meet monthly to hear social service reports for people on the streets as well as low-income. “Salvation Army also provide other services such as counseling and the food bank,” he adds.
Another passion for Holland is the Health and Hope Medical Outreach, also known as the free clinic located at Northwest Pediatric Center. Everyone working there is a volunteer, except for one part-time executive director. It’s a non-profit faith-based clinic, supported by United Way and more than 20 churches.
“Most staff are motivated by their faith walk,” explains Holland. Because of his involvement with insurance and the medical community, he donates his time to help the patients find insurance options. “You don’t have to be a business or medical provider. They are always in need of volunteers for different jobs like receptionists and translators.”
Donations to the clinic mainly subsidize the cost of prescribed medications. “Walmart assists as well by donating some medicines,” Holland says. Events such as the recent Ted Vigil tribute to John Denver also help raise funds to keep the clinic going.
Holland is not just busy with community social service activities. He is also a long-time member of the board of the Economic Development Council (EDC). “Activity ebbs and flows with the economy,” he says. “We work a little harder when the economy is weak, but we are always hunting for new opportunities for the county.”
Holland further explains that there is a regular paid staff, and that he and other community volunteer and businesses leaders give input to help steer the coordinated efforts with the ports to draw interest in new business start-ups and relocations. “With the high costs in Seattle and even Thurston County, we are an attractive option,” he says. “Lewis County strives to be business-friendly with low overhead.” The EDC also helps struggling businesses and works to bring diversity to the businesses in the community, such as courting high tech jobs that would be higher than average wages and better benefits.
A universal challenge for all community groups now is getting younger people to join the organizations. “I don’t know if it’s the economy or if people are simply busy with other things,” Holland says. “But every group is competing for man-power and each has their focus.” So a person considering volunteering can look at the mission of each group to determine where they would like to put their energies. For instance, Kiwanis focuses on youth, Lions Club on eye health and glasses, Sertoma on ear health and hearing aids.
Holland does have some sage advice for volunteers. “Just like anybody in the community who has been around awhile, you will get asked to get involved. Although your heart goes out to all of them, you have to limit your activities. It’s hard just learning to say no. With 14 grandkids, I have to parcel my time carefully,” he laughs.
Holland can’t praise the community and the involvement enough, however. “In our community when you have a common cause, you all put your shoulder to the wheel regardless of the focus of the group. Over time we’ve built relationships with other community groups to respond to needs. The grapevine is well greased in a small community. If there’s a need, we get it done.”
In addition to all the local service clubs that you can join and get involved, you can also check out other community volunteer opportunities in Lewis County at the Volunteer Lewis website.
Bob Holland
Centralia General Agencies
209 W. Main St.
Centralia, WA
360-880-0237
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