School of Thought: Applying a little muscle to the problem
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STUDENT INTRO: Maddox Rader, the founder of Mad Muscle Men, is a junior at Parkersburg South High School. He is a multi-sport athlete competing with the football, track, and swimming teams. Outside of sports and school, Maddox enjoys playing the guitar and focusing on diet and exercise. Maddox is as dedicated to his community as he is to his academics and athletic accolades. In this week's School of Thought, Maddox shares the story of how something tragic can become a source of happiness and light.
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Mad Muscle Men is an organization and non-profit business created to help families that have been impacted by the addiction epidemic in our community. As a non-profit business, Mad Muscle Men offers services that need a little "muscle" and in return, a donation is given. The donations are then used to meet various needs of struggling families and individuals in the community in relationship to addiction.
This idea all started after my 7th grade year. I was playing tennis for Parkersburg Catholic in the City Park when my friend and I went to the restroom. In the restroom, we found a young man who had overdosed in a bathroom stall. That moment changed me forever. I thought about if maybe he had a family, or what his future might hold. Now that I am older, I think of how to prevent more stories like this from happening, and how to help the families and children that could be struggling when things like this do happen.
Being a member of the football team, we are often asked to "help" in the community.
I thought if I could get a small group of guys with some "muscle" we could do all types of odd jobs and ask for only a donation in return. Working like this would eliminate the need for a schedule and allow us to work on an as-needed basis. I started with my brother and a couple guys from the football team. From where we started, to where we are now, this has grown to a much more inclusive group; including football players from other local teams, female friends and athletes from various teams and schools, adults, and pretty much anyone willing to lend a hand -- or some muscle.
I have worked to promote M3 and bring awareness to families affected by addiction. I must give a big shoutout to my family for helping me spread awareness about the organization. We want the word out to let people know about this organization, so that if someone has something that they needed done, it could be accomplished with little workload for them, other than a donation to charity!
Our organization does have social media. I created a Facebook page called Mad Muscle Men that I try to post each job and donation on. If you would like to go check it out sometime, feel free to send us a message and reach out with any questions. The Facebook page also provides ways to contact Mad Muscle Men to set up a job!
Although the name might suggest otherwise, M3 will gladly accept anyone who would like to help the cause, and anyone can show up to any job or event they'd like. These details are normally posted on our social media. You can just contact me from my Facebook page, and I'll gladly set you up with a date and address whenever a new job or event pops up somewhere. I often provide pizza and a Mad Muscle Men T-shirt to those willing to show up and help.
As I briefly mentioned, the money raised goes to groups, organizations, or people that will put it to good use in our community. M3's first large donation of $1000 went to the Wood County Prevention Coalition, an organization that fights to end the battle with substance abuse. This organization is also on Facebook, and I suggest that you look at it when you have a chance. They are always offering volunteer services to get involved with and providing updates on their status in the battle against substance abuse.
We are always looking for other groups, organizations or people in need. Please reach out and let me know of any such need out there. We have done lawn maintenance, shoveled rock, moved boxes, unloaded garages, mulched, and even moved a restaurant! There is always a job for everyone.
When I go to college, I hope to pass the torch to my little brother and raise scholarship money for families that would like help in continuing their education. My goal for Mad Muscle Men is to not only lessen the impact of addiction in Parkersburg, but to grow awareness about the ones left behind, or left to pick up the pieces -- like the grandparents left raising their children's children, and the children without any family left. Along the way, I would like to create a strong community built out of friendship and determination to make the journey fun and exciting at every job, while also raising a lot of money and spreading awareness to stop addiction and the impact of addiction. I am still setting up jobs and earning more donations to help this cause and we'd love to have you!