Debra Y. Jones finds connection and community through a decade of volunteering at Kinston Community Arts Council

Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Debra Y. Jones volunteers at the Kinston Community Arts Council, helping with the daily activities that keep the organization running. After approximately 10 years of service, she says the reason she continues to return is simple: the people.

"I just enjoy the people," Jones said. "I come in on Tuesdays, from 10 until 2, and it's like the beginning of the week. So it's like everything has to be put together from over the weekend or whatever."

Her responsibilities vary depending on what needs attention. Whether organizing materials, assisting visitors or handling routine office activities, Jones has found a comfortable place within the organization.

"I just come in, do what I have to do, and leave," she said.

While some people might assume volunteering at an arts council involves sitting behind a desk and answering telephones, Jones said there is much more happening behind the scenes.

The organization offers classes, community events, fundraisers and opportunities for residents to engage with local artists and their work.

"I'd like for them to know that there's a variety of things that go on here," Jones said. "People think it's only coming in, looking at the pictures, but we have a lot of classes. We have a lot of engagement, you know, parties and things like that. And we do a lot of fundraisers."

Jones said the arts council also interacts with other community organizations, including the city council and the welcome center, helping connect its activities with the broader Kinston community.

One of her favorite events is Soup in a Bowl, an annual January fundraiser that brings community members together for food, fellowship and support of the arts.

Jones said the event is particularly meaningful because of the contributions made by volunteers and supporters who donate food and other necessities.

"People donate everything. They make the soup, the salads, and everything, so it's all donated," Jones said.

According to Jones, the donated contributions allow the arts council to benefit from the proceeds raised through the event.

For her, however, the fundraiser is about more than financial support.

She enjoys bringing friends, visiting with familiar faces and meeting people she might not otherwise encounter.

"I bring some of my girlfriends with me that day, and we just have a good time," Jones said. "You meet people, and most of the people that come are the people that come to our business after hours, and people that I see regularly, but then I meet a few people that I don't know."

The gathering also creates opportunities for residents to connect with individuals involved in other aspects of the community. Jones recalled seeing judicial candidate Sonya Davis at a previous event, where Davis introduced herself to attendees and distributed campaign materials.

Although Christmas remains her favorite time of year, Jones said Soup in a Bowl is a highlight of the winter season.

Beyond the annual events, Jones finds satisfaction in watching visitors discover what the arts council has to offer.

She said many people are surprised by the appearance of the building, the variety of programs available and the items offered in its gift shop.

"People will be amazed when they see our building," Jones said. "They'll be like, 'Oh, I didn't know this was this pretty,' or 'I didn't know you did this.'"

Those reactions reflect what Jones believes is one of the organization's challenges: helping residents understand that the arts council is more than a place to view artwork.

She hopes more people will visit, explore the facility and learn about the activities available to the public.

For anyone considering volunteering, Jones recommends starting with a visit rather than assuming what the experience will involve.

"I would tell them first to come in and just get a feel of the things that we do, because people think all I do is sit here and answer the phone all day," Jones said. "But still, I have, you know, activities that I do."

She encourages prospective volunteers to become familiar with the organization, meet the people involved and decide whether its activities match their interests.

Her own experience has been shaped by the relationships she has developed with staff, fellow volunteers and visitors over the years.

"Once I came in, and I got used to everybody, it's just the people are nice, and the people that come in are nice," Jones said.

After a decade of volunteering, Jones does not describe her commitment as an obligation or something extraordinary. Instead, she sees it as an enjoyable part of her weekly routine and an opportunity to contribute to an organization she values.

When people ask why she continues to volunteer at the arts council, her response is straightforward.

"Why not?" Jones said.

For Jones, that simple question sums up 10 years of giving her time to an organization where she enjoys the work, appreciates the people and continues to find reasons to return each Tuesday.