For Sue Warren, Ransom Canyon, Texas, is more than just a small town - it's a place where the sense of community runs deep, and neighbors are like family. Just nine miles east of Lubbock, the town boasts a population of twelve hundred and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, with homes surrounding Lake Ransom Canyon.
She and her husband, Lyndel, moved there almost forty years ago when his employer offered them a chance to relocate from Amarillo, and they have never regretted it!
"In a small town, you're bound to be close with the people around you. We celebrate life together, pray together, and support each other through the ups and downs."
Since retiring a few years ago, she has found this season of life busier than she had imagined, yet full of purpose and joy in serving others, especially during the most challenging times.
Discovering Purposeful Communities
Sue's journey to serving her community began in an unexpected place – a car club. She and her husband stumbled upon the Caprock Classic Car Club when they drove by a Sonic parking lot filled with hot rods. They were drawn in by the enthusiastic members who admired their 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury and welcomed them with open arms. "We thought they just sat around and talked about cars," she laughs.
What they thought would be laid-back gatherings to chat about cars turned out to be much more. They found out that car clubs nationwide have a bigger mission: "Their goals all surround community charities. Once we got into it, we 'really' got involved."
From that point forward, they became deeply invested, not just in the car club itself, but in the charitable causes it supported. The club's annual car shows raised funds for local organizations like the Children's Home of Lubbock, Women's Protective Services, and Meals on Wheels.
"The first show we helped with was a big undertaking. We were exhausted but had so much fun. The best part was seeing how everyone pitched in without having to be asked."
Her enthusiasm for service extends far beyond the car club. Her involvement in her local church has been a constant source of strength, especially during difficult times. The church plays a central role in her life, providing not just spiritual nourishment but also a support network.
"After my daughter-in-law passed away, I decided to retire early to be there for my youngest son and his two young boys. My church family became my lifeline. It’s more than just attending services; it’s about living life together, helping each other out, and being there for one another."
Following this unexpected loss, she found comfort and renewed purpose in volunteering for programs like Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Operation Christmas Child. "I needed something to focus on, and I wanted to make sure my grandkids were involved in church," she explains. "VBS was a way to get the boys into church, so I started volunteering and taking them with me every year. It became a tradition."
Her experiences with VBS have been especially meaningful because they allowed her to witness the lasting impact of her efforts beyond her own family.
"You see the kids you taught years ago, and now they're adults bringing their families to church. It's amazing to see how something as simple as a summer program can plant seeds that grow for generations."
Sharing the Joy of Giving Through Operation Christmas Child
Her approach to volunteering is to make it easy for others to get involved. “I learned that if you give people a little push to help them get involved, they'll come back on their own. You can't force anyone to love volunteering, but once they start, most people find that they enjoy it."
This mindset has helped her encourage others to participate in projects like Operation Christmas Child, a program that provides shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world. Sue fondly remembers the first few years of organizing events where church members would gather to fill hundreds of boxes.
"We'd set up tables at the church, and people would bring items to put in the boxes. It was such a community effort. There was something special about working together and seeing the boxes come to life."
She describes the program's impact, saying, "You've got kids all over the world that may never receive Christmas presents. Many are barely surviving or lucky to get a pair of shoes." The joy she receives through this program is evident as she describes the children's reactions: "When they open it, they're just thrilled. There's always a little insert inside the box that lets them know that the gifts were God-inspired, all coming from Him."
Her involvement in programs like Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Operation Christmas Child is not just about giving back; it's a way to express her gratitude and share her faith with others. "Operation Christmas Child is so much more than just filling a shoebox," she explains. "It's about sending a message of hope to children who have nothing. When a child opens that box, they know that someone else cares about them."
Over the years, she has also learned the importance of sharing responsibilities and allowing others to take ownership. In the past, she tended to do everything herself, believing it would make things easier for everyone else.
"I used to think I was doing people a favor by taking care of everything. But someone once told me that I was depriving others of the chance to feel the joy of giving. That stuck with me, and I started to let go a little. Now, I encourage others to take part and have ownership over projects."
Empowering Future Generations to Embrace Volunteerism
Sue recognizes the challenges facing volunteers today, particularly among younger generations. Changing lifestyles, technology, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to a decline in community involvement.
"Kids are so busy with scheduled activities that they don't have time to volunteer. And with the isolation caused by technology and the effects of COVID-19, many people don't realize how much they need each other."
She is aware of the impact these factors have had on younger people, who may lack the social interactions and volunteer experiences that previous generations took for granted.
"It's important to get the younger generation involved. They need to see the value in coming together to help others."
Her advice for young people and those hesitant to volunteer is simple: "Just show up. Once you're there, you'll see the impact you can make. Volunteering brings people closer and is a way to find purpose in life."
Finding Connection and Belonging
As Sue Warren continues to serve her small town and encourages others to get involved, we are left with an important reminder: Community engagement isn't just about what we give but also about what we get back. The friendships formed, the skills learned, and the sense of belonging fostered through volunteering are priceless.
Her volunteer journey is one of learning to let go, involving others, and embracing the community as a collective force for good. This lesson resonates in her approach to organizing events, volunteering at church, and even in the way she engages with her family life.
She encourages us to look beyond our backyard and connect with our neighbors to discover the joy and purpose that come from being part of something greater than ourselves.
More Resources
For those looking for new ways to get involved, these organizations Sue mentioned provide a range of opportunities for community service, from supporting local charities to engaging in faith-based initiatives:
Caprock Classic Car Club (Lubbock, TX) is a classic car club based in Texas that organizes car shows to raise funds for local charities and educate others about the history and preservation of classic vehicles.
Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering nutritious meals to older adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain independence and dignity. Meals on Wheels operates through a network of over 5,000 community-based programs across the United States, addressing senior hunger and isolation.
Operation Christmas Child is a project by the nonprofit Samaritan's Purse that collects shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to deliver to children in need around the world. Since 1993, they have distributed over 220 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries, with the additional goal of sharing the Christian Gospel.
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses, believing that a wish can provide strength and hope during their medical treatment. In the United States, they grant a wish every 34 minutes, with research showing that wishes can help children fight their illnesses and provide relief to families.