High school junior Rebecca Romas has a strong bond with the firefighter community. In fact, it’s in her blood. As the daughter of LAFD Captain II Steve Romas, she grew up around firefighters and now she’s giving back as a volunteer for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
She said, “I first decided to volunteer for Widows & Orphans when my dad asked me to come help him at Hope for Firefighters.” Four years later, she still gives her time to help at the annual event, the preceding “practice picnic” (for those competing in the Muster games) and around the charity office during the summer.
Her connection to firefighters and the mission of the organization is why she keeps coming back. “The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fireman’s Fund is a very good charity organization and is doing a fabulous job at helping the firefighter families around them,” she said.
Though she donates her time and energy, she feels like she gets something out of it, too. “My favorite part of volunteering is the feeling of joy I get inside of me for volunteering for the community and giving back to those in need,” she said. “Volunteering has also given me the opportunity to meet many new friends that love to volunteer just as much as I do.”
In addition, she thinks helping out will benefit her after graduation. She said, “Volunteering has taught me some very valuable job skills like how to take orders from adults and has given me the opportunity to practice important work skills such as teamwork, project planning, task management and organization.”
And according to Rebecca, there’s another reason for others to give their time. “What I would say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering is to just go ahead and volunteer because it is fun and feels good at the same time,” she said. “It always feels nice to help others in need and to serve the community around you.”
By David Vienna
