McKinnon teaches in many ways

By SUE ELLEN ROSS

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Steve McKinnon has many skills that serve him well, spiritually as well as physically. And the benefits of those skills are reflected in his on-going volunteer work.

The LaPlace resident offers his time to the Veterans Administration Hospital in New Orleans; to the Reserve Christian Church; and also serves as a mentor in the Youth Challenge Program sponsored by the Louisiana National Guard.

His first foray into service to others began four years ago. “My friend, Mike Bauer, was volunteering at the VA Hospital, and suggested I do the same,” said McKinnon. He followed Bauer’s advice and became a fixture at the hospital. Duties include making the picture identification cards required for hospital employees and volunteers.

Responsibilities at Reserve Christian Church include driving the church van each Sunday, something that McKinnon has been doing for three years.

Becoming involved with the Youth Challenge Program came about eight months ago when a neighbor asked McKinnon about the specifics of the project. She had a son that she felt would benefit from involvement.

The program is geared toward mentoring for cadets ages 13-18 years old, according to McKinnon. Similar to the Big Brothers organization, youngsters are paired with ‘mentors’ that become role models, get involved in their lives, and meet with them on a regular basis.

McKinnon joined the Youth Challenge Program and subsequently was matched with 17-year-old Cornell Tuco, the son of the LaPlace neighbor who triggered his involvement from the beginning. “There is a big need for youth in this area,” said McKinnon. “Peggy (Tuco) said the program is working really well for her son.”

McKinnon’s schedule has always been very busy – he has taught guitar lessons in LaPlace for many years and is now working on a CD demo. Currently, he works as an air conditioning technician in the community. But finding time to fulfill his volunteer duties is always high on his priority list.

This busy young man feels the benefits of giving to others are varied and many for both sides. Especially when working with those in the mentoring program.

“I get the satisfaction that I’ve done everything I can, regarding the needs I see,” he said. “And by my association (teaching skills, work ethics, etc.,) I try to build them up to become productive citizens.”

He added that since every child is different, some may have a little more trouble than others getting on the right track. “It depends on many things, but specifically if they want to accept the help,” he added.

But he doesn’t give up trying. There may be many variables involved, but there are also many rewards, he stressed. “You really may have a positive effect on someone’s life.”

For more information on the LA National Guard Youth Challenge Program, call (888) 588-9311.