Editor’s note: One in a series of volunteer opportunities available in Muskogee.

As visitors to Muskogee’s Garden of Lights make their way out of Honor Heights Park, their last stop is the volunteer booth.

The dazzling display of holiday lights costs the Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department extra money to create, but volunteers taking generous public donations help cover that cost.

Juanda Perkins said the best part of volunteering at the exit gate of the Garden of Lights is the smiles on the faces of children.

“We always ask the people as the drive out how they are and did they enjoy the lights,” she said. “At least 99 percent make a donation.”

Perkins, a licensing specialist for the Muskogee Department of Human Services, said she was part of a group of 11 DHS employees who volunteered some of their time Tuesday for the Garden of Lights.

“People have been commenting on how beautiful the lights are, and that it’s getting better and better every year,” she said.

Another person planning to volunteer is Carolyn Downs, 56, director and owner of the Jack and Jill Learning Center.

“I’ve probably volunteered there about eight times,” she said. “This year, nine of us from the center and many of the staff’s children will be out there. We start around 5:30 p.m. and go until 10 on Thursday night. We work in shifts, so those who have children can take them home.”

The park provides hot chocolate and coffee inside the booth, but the volunteers are usually standing outside in the winter weather. They chat with park guests who are driving out and stop to make a donation.

“Mostly we’re there holding Santa hats for the people who make a donation to the park,” she said. “We try to make it a lot of fun and answer any questions. The biggest question is how many lights are used in the park. It’s a real positive for Muskogee and a great way to build community spirit.”

Downs said the job description is not difficult and the work is satisfying.

“We’re just there to ask for donations, give out brochures and answer any questions that we can,” she said. “It’s a great way to build community spirit and invite people back. We have so much fun that we forget we’re working. People are usually really nice and friendly.”

Making the garden exit booth a joyful place is always how they like to do things, Downs said.