JT Thomas is a volunteer at the Arts and Crafts center at White Sands Missile Range and he is making a difference.
Originally from New Orleans, La., Thomas spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force before he retired.
He became familiar with WSMR in 2009 after participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March right before he retired.
Thomas said he ran into his friend Julie Mathis, who has worked at the Arts and Crafts center for over 18 years and decided to volunteer there.
He said he has always enjoyed working with ceramics, painting, and woodwork. He’s been doing it for 45 years.
His volunteer work at the Arts and Crafts Center involved cleaning up, helping customers with projects and he also teaches classes.
“If customers need help with projects, I’ll help them with their projects. If it’s a class they need help teaching, and it’s something I can teach I will teach it,” Thomas said. “Any of the equipment they need operated I can take care of that. If they get in a large order of supplies and we must put it together, I can put it together for them. If they need me to count inventory I can count inventory.”
Thomas said he also helps during Bataan.
“I help out with custom framing during packet pick up.”
He also helps fill the packets in preparation for packet pick up, with setup for the actual event itself, and with clean up after the event.
Thomas said he has participated in the honorary march for the last two years.
His love for arts and crafts comes from peace of mind.
“I can just relax and not think about anything.”
His favorite project right now is woodworking. He said ten years ago it was ceramics and painting.
Thomas said anyone can give back through volunteering.
“Find something and donate your time. You’ll be surprised how much it is going to help you out,” Thomas said. “It gives you a chance to focus on something other than what is going on in your life.”
Even if you don’t know what you are doing, Thomas said you can always ask for help.
“As long as you are willing to donate your time, they are willing to show you what they need help with. It may be something you actually enjoy doing.”
Thomas said it doesn’t have to be at the Arts and Crafts Center. He said there are different organizations that need help where people can volunteer.
“Find something that you are interested in and go ask if they need volunteers.”
Social Sharing