Sunlight permeates the room as Heather Southwick shares her life story filled with volunteerism.

More than 75 countries — India, Vietnam and beyond — have been blessed with the commitment and glow Southwick brings to the volunteer world.“Volunteering comes naturally for me,” she said. “It’s in my blood.”

When she was growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, Southwick’s parents were stellar role models. Her mom, a Scottish immigrant, was a nurse who devoted hours to volunteering at church. “She prepared barrels for Chinese missionaries,” Southwick said. Her dad was in construction and found quick, efficient ways to ship those barrels.

“Dad was a ‘good works’ volunteer who continually found all kinds of ‘social good’ projects, like working with (disabled) children through the Elks,” she said. “He loved what he did and knew it made a difference.”

Volunteerism is a family affair with the Southwicks. “My daughter, now a physician with the New York Department of Public Health, volunteered with Mother Teresa,” Southwick said. While in Calcutta, Southwick also worked with Mother Teresa, binding books and assisting the homeless.

“I have two grandchildren adopted from a Russian orphanage,” she said. “My daughter saw them while presenting a seminar within their facility.”

Today, Southwick splits her time among the Volunteer Connection, the Boulder County Humane Society Thrift Store and many other “social good” projects. Each environment offers something slightly different.

“My work at the thrift store brings out my organizational flair. I arrange books and design appealing displays that entice customers,” Southwick said. “My involvement with the Volunteer Connection offers me the big-picture snapshot I need.”

The Volunteer Connection, a volunteer clearinghouse, works with 350 partner agencies. In 2006, more than 15,000 Boulder County residents explored volunteer opportunities through the organization.

Southwick suggests finding something fun that excites you and encourages volunteerism.

“For example, I Volunteer! Day in April, facilitated by the Volunteer Connection, is a great way to get started,” she said. “You can choose from all kinds of fun, rewarding projects throughout the county — like gardening, painting, even environmental campaign letter writing.”

For information about volunteering with the Volunteer Connection or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.