At a recent meeting of the Collierville Town Beautiful Commission, special guest Sloane Sledd spoke to the commission members about the all the fruits of being a volunteer:  

• Helps the community that’s receiving, and the individual who is giving 

• Builds self-esteem, confidence and happiness 

• Builds leadership skills, work ethic, and job skills 

• Develops compassion and empathy 

• Teaches you how to work with others  

• Provides a sense of purpose 

• Saves cities/towns/schools/organizations money  

• Brings people together  

The recognition of these benefits usually come after a life time of volunteering, but Sloane is just 11 years old. She is Miss Collierville Pre-Teen Volunteer, and will go on to the Miss Tennessee Pre-Teen Volunteer pageant in Nashville on June 12. Meanwhile, she is giving of her time in her hometown of Collierville with organizations such as the local Girl Scout troop, and at events such as the National Day of Prayer and the Collierville Police Department Food Bank Drive. Sloane is also partnering with Town Alderman Missy Marshall and Keep America Beautiful to organize a “trashercize” event where participants can work on keeping fit while picking up trash to keep our community clean.  

Sloane has a passion for getting young people involved in community projects, but the principles of giving and involvement with others apply to any age. 

If Collierville residents are looking for an opportunity to give back with their time, and experience all the great benefits that Sloane listed, here are a few places around town that are looking for volunteers: 

• Collierville Animal Shelter – Since the pandemic, the shelter has trained volunteers one-on-one rather than in the classes they used to have. They will continue this method for the time being, so if you’re interested in helping care for some sweet cats and dogs, call the shelter at (901) 457-2670.  

• Collierville Victory Garden – Would you like to learn new skills and help produce actual food to give to those who need it?  You don’t have to be a Master Gardener to help out, so check the organization’s Facebook page for work days, and then show up at the garden’s location at 707 New Byhalia Rd with a hat, gloves, drinking water and any small gardening tools you might have. 

• Morton Museum – If you’d like to volunteer to help keep the history of Collierville alive and accessible for residents, you can do so by joining the Friends of the Morton Museum. Friend's Memberships are just $10 for individuals or seniors, and $15 for families. 

• Southern Reins Equine Therapy Center uses volunteers in their therapy sessions and in the barn. The nonprofit provides equine assisted therapy for individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. For more information, call (901) 290-1011, or email Volunteer Coordinator Meredith Massa at meredith.massa@southernreins.org.