On an early Saturday morning, dozens of volunteers with Atmos Energy set up shop at Refuge Services, a horse therapy center in Lubbock.
“Today we’re installing self watering systems for their horses, cleaning out some stalls and hauling off some trash,” explains volunteer coordinator Koby Parker.
All of this was made possible because Parker decided to make a difference.
“Giving back always is a big thing and always has been for me,” Parker said.
Volunteering has been part of Parker’s life for as long as he can remember. And there’s one specific group he loves helping out.
“Kids with disabilities has been always dear to me,” Parker explains. “I have a nephew with Down Syndrome so that definitely hits a little more close to home.”
That’s why he’s been helping out at the non profit.
“Sometimes I feel like it’s more rewarding to me and therapeutic to me because I get away and I can really get involved with the clients,” Parker says.
And when he brought up the idea of doing a bigger project to his company, they were all for it.
“It definitely was a group effort here,” Parker says. “It’s nice to work for a company like Atmos who is always looking for opportunities and supports opportunities like this.”
Opportunities he says people let pass them by without even knowing it.
That’s why he says he’s happy to help.
“Just try and volunteer and see the self gratification and the impact you can make on people’s lives,” says Parker.
The Atmos group of volunteers also donated $1,600 to Refuge Services.
This will help cover the cost of the water in the new troughs the group built.
If you would like to find an organization to volunteer with, contact the Volunteer Center of Lubbock at (806) 747-0551.
