Mannford teen shows how volunteering can change things for the better

Some people like to take things in life, others like Jackie Moffit, would rather give. That trait has resulted in quite the accomplishment for the Mannford teenager. <br><br>As News on Six reporter Steve

Friday, April 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Some people like to take things in life, others like Jackie Moffit, would rather give. That trait has resulted in quite the accomplishment for the Mannford teenager.

As News on Six reporter Steve Berg explains, it's something that's just in his nature. Lots of Boy Scouts like nature. But how many create nature. "I've always wanted to give something back to the community I'm from." But until now, there was the only thing that people had given, the land by the high school. "Before it was almost a dump for the soccer fields and the baseball fields." Now it's an outdoor classroom with a scenic pond. And a bridge that leads to a relaxing gazebo.

Everyone agrees it's a great idea, but that doesn't mean it was easy. "You had to do all the paperwork and get signatures from different people, high-ranking authority people in the community and the you had to wait for it to be passed or denied."

Jackie helped write the grant that got the money from British Petroleum. He made countless phone calls and wrote dozens of letters. He spoke to classes. He even helped with the construction. In all, he's spent the better part of the past three years on the project. Mannford High School principal Joe Moore, "Jackie has set a great example for the rest of us to look at, even adults, not only students." Jackie's principal says the student taught them a thing or two with the project. "Y'know, this kinda sat on the back-burner for awhile. Then when he stepped up and takes the lead, then things start happening."

Jackie seems to have a knack with this sort of thing. "If you can't stay on one thing for a long period of time then it's not a real good idea to start something." The trumpet player also helped write the grant to get the band a new equipment trailer.

With his senior year still ahead, you might wonder what other grants he has in mind. "I'd like to take a break from that for awhile and go do some fishing and some other stuff." It's only natural. Jackie's story highlights the importance of volunteers, and since April is Volunteer month, we want to invite you to join KOTV in a 'Work of Heart."

250-organizations around the Tulsa area need your help doing a variety of things. If you'd like to donate some of your time, call the Tulsa Volunteer Center at 585-5551, extension 253.