Good Sam members, Chapters and employees help make the planet a better place
Since the start of the Good Sam Club in 1966, members have always been eager to help. These days, Good Sam’s nearly 1.3 million members donate countless hours to doing good deeds, both in their communities and on their travels. Good Sam’s parent company believes so strongly in giving back, it recently launched a volunteer initiative for its 5,000 employees.
Project Good Samaritan encourages staff members at Good Sam Enterprises and its sister company, Camping World, to devote 32 hours of their regular work time each year to meaningful causes, all without experiencing a drop in their paychecks. Although 2013 is still a couple of months off, employees are already making plans to assist at local schools, food pantries, veterans’ homes and other places that could use a helping hand.
Marcus Lemonis, Good Sam and Camping World’s chairman and CEO, set the pace last summer when he appeared in an episode of ABC’s Secret Millionaire. After going undercover in his native Florida, Lemonis wound up providing some much needed resources to three deserving Miami organizations. In the spirit of giving, Lemonis not only spearheaded Project Good Samaritan, he also directed $75,000 in corporate contributions to go to Flags4Vets, Habitat for Humanity, RVing Accessibility Group and Dogs for the Deaf.
When it comes to philanthropy, Lemonis is far from the Club’s only role model. Good Sam members and Chapters have been going above and beyond for 46 years, helping others in need and making their communities better places. Each year Good Sam presents its Chapter of the Year and RVer of the Year awards, recognizing just a few of the many members who unselfishly give of their time and talents.
If you’re looking for ways to volunteer, the Good Sam Club makes it simple. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Join a Good Sam Chapter: Good Sam’s nearly 1,500 Chapters are on the frontlines of volunteering. It’s easy to find a Chapter near you or launch a new one at GoodSamClub.com/Chapters. Once you’re a member, ask your Chapter president about ways to chip in or suggest some ideas of your own.
Serve at a Samboree: While you’re talking to your Chapter president, ask about ways to help out at an upcoming Samboree. Volunteers stage these Good Sam gatherings, and there’s always room for more.
Assist fellow members: Sign up online to take part in Good Sam’s Standby Sams network of nearly 2,000 volunteer advisers to provide emergency information and local referrals to members traveling through your area.
Pick up public lands: Members, Chapters and Good Sam employees all roll up their sleeves to pick up litter and debris during Good Sam Cleanup Days. Talk to your Chapter president or send an email to [email protected] to get involved in this annual rite of spring.
Adopt a highway or park: Many Chapters maintain a stretch of regional roadway or sponsor a public park in their neck of the woods. Check with your state or provincial Good Sam director at GoodSamClub.com/Chapters to find ways to help.
Sponsor a companion dog: Members, Chapters and Samborees host bake sales, dog walks and other fundraisers for Dogs for the Deaf, a longstanding Good Sam charity that places trained dogs, free of charge, with people suffering from hearing loss and other challenges.
Work behind the scenes: Each Good Sam Rally gets support from member volunteers who help out with RV parking, registration, security and more, and you can join them. To sign up, click on Volunteer Opportunities at TheRally.com.
Stitch a blanket: Bring a handmade blanket, quilt or comforter to the Daytona Good Sam Rally, November 2 through 4, to contribute to Project Linus, an organization that provides blankets to children who are ill or otherwise in need. Good Sam members have already donated 835 blankets to this worthy cause this year.
Pay your respects: You can volunteer in other ways at Good Sam Rallies, from donating blood to collecting canned food. In an event coordinated with Flags4Vets, volunteers at the upcoming Daytona Rally will board shuttles to Daytona Memorial Park to place American flags on veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery in preparation for Veterans Day.
