Volunteer: Mac Highet
Family: Lives with his wife and three daughters
Organization where you volunteer and for how long?
Mac serves on the board of the NY/NJ Trail Conference, a volunteer organization focused on hiking clubs and environmental issues, and dedicated to building and maintaining more than 1,600 miles of hiking trails and protecting open space in the region.
Mac has been a mentor for the past three years to several boys in the Volunteers In Protective Services program (VIPS) of the Hackensack-based Volunteer Center of Bergen County. In addition, Mac serves on the board of the Volunteer Center.
Recent work with the organization?
Mac is working with two boys in VIPS — a teen being raised by his father, and a 4 year old whose family was left homeless due to a recent fire. He offers friendship and guidance to them at a time in their lives where a positive role model can affect the direction of the rest of their lives.
Mac offers non-judgmental advice and shows that there is an adult who really cares about them, how they feel and what they do. And they have fun, too.
Why did you become a volunteer?
"I am retired from a busy corporate career — a lot of work responsibilities, a lot of travel. I wanted to connect with my community, to do some good, to give something back. Mentoring is a way to share my experiences and help a young person see his full potential."
What has been the best part of being a volunteer?
"The Volunteer Center’s slogan is ‘Do Good, Feel Good’, and that is so true. I have found that by working directly with the mentees, the children who need me, I have greater insight into myself. In helping the boys through their problems, I feel good about the fact that I am making a difference to their lives. It helps me in all aspects of my life—as a board member, as a community member, as a member of a family."
"I highly recommend becoming a mentor, and I would strongly encourage more men to get involved. VIPS currently has at least 50 boys in need of positive role models. You really can make a difference!"
