Mandy Thomas, a Sulphur resident and City Council representative, believes finding time to volunteer is an essential part of life no matter how busy one’s schedule may be. Professionally, Thomas works as a branch operations manager at First National Bank of DeRidder.

She said she’s been fortunate to have a career that allows her the freedom to give back the community in conjunction with her job. “That’s one of the blessings about being in the field I’m in because it makes a difference in who you work for. They (the bank) wants you to be involved in the community. That was really when my volunteerism started.”

Through the bank Thomas joined the Sulphur Rotary Club and her eyes were opened to how much need there is in the community, she said.

“I started to realize how many opportunities there were for people to get plugged in as a volunteer.”

She’s made connections at the Sulphur Senior Center, SC3, Care Help and more. Taking cues from Jodi Farnum from Care Help’s motto, Thomas said, “It’s like she (Farnum) says, ‘We’re the hands and feet of Jesus. We’re supposed to serve the people. I just feel like if there’s an opportunity to do something to help someone else, as a Christian, I have to do that.”

When Thomas was elected to the Sulphur City Council four years ago, her the door to give back to the community opened even further, she said. Council members get emails and messages from community members and organization hosting event and Thomas said she always tries to reply with open hands.

“I’ll reach out and say, ‘Hey, do ya’ll need help?’ Most of the time they do…I just like to take it an extra step and try to be as present as possible so people know that I’m available,” she said.

“I feel like volunteerism kind of breaks a barrier of sorts. It’s like, when people see you out volunteering, you’re more approachable.”

Thomas said there’s no particular politician who she models her volunteerism after, rather there’s something innate inside of her that drives her towards helping. “Whenever I did get on the council, I just bumped it (volunteerism) up a notch because there were more opportunities to serve,” she said.

“I feel it’s my duty as a Christian. It’s a calling. We’re called to serve others in some capacity. A lot of people might not have the financial ability to do it so this is another way. Get out there and pick up some litter. Go serve someone a meal. It all matters.”